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Erythrocyte plasma membrane redox system in human aging
Syed Ibrahim Rizvi1, Rashmi Jha, Pawan Kumar Maurya
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India. rzv@redifmail.com
Rejuvenation Research
|November 16, 2006
Summary
Plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) activity in human erythrocytes increases with age, potentially protecting against oxidative stress. This finding correlates with decreased plasma antioxidant capacity in aging individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Eukaryotic cells possess a plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) involved in electron transfer.
- The physiological role of PMRS, particularly in human aging, remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activity of PMRS in human erythrocytes across different age groups.
- To correlate erythrocyte PMRS activity with plasma antioxidant capacity in aging.
Main Methods:
- Erythrocyte PMRS activity was measured by monitoring ferricyanide reduction.
- Total plasma antioxidant capacity was assessed using Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) values.
- The study included 80 healthy subjects aged 18–85 years.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation (p < 0.0001, r = 0.7797) was found between erythrocyte PMRS activity and chronological human age.
- Total plasma antioxidant capacity (FRAP values) showed an age-dependent decrease.
- A strong correlation was observed between PMRS activity and plasma FRAP values.
Conclusions:
- Erythrocyte PMRS activity significantly increases with age in humans.
- This age-related increase in PMRS may serve as a protective mechanism against oxidative stress.
- The findings suggest a role for PMRS in maintaining cellular health during aging, possibly through ascorbate recycling.
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