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Red cell membrane alterations in human chronic fluoride toxicity.
1Department of Biochemistry, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, India.
Biochemistry International
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Chronic exposure to toxic fluoride levels in drinking water damages red blood cells, increasing lipid peroxidation and altering membrane proteins. Enzyme activities essential for cell function were significantly reduced in patients with fluorosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Hematology
Background:
- Fluoride is a common water contaminant.
- Chronic exposure to toxic fluoride levels can impact human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic fluoride exposure on human red blood cell membranes.
- To analyze biochemical and protein changes in red blood cells due to fluoride toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of lipid peroxidation, cholesterol, and phospholipid levels in red blood cells.
- Electrophoretic analysis of red blood cell ghost membrane proteins.
- Assay of ATPase activities (total, Na(+)-K(+)-, Mg(2+)-, and Ca(2+)-) in red cell ghosts.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in lipid peroxidation, membranous cholesterol, and phospholipids.
- Alterations in red blood cell ghost membrane proteins, including a new 66 kDa band and changes in high molecular weight proteins.
- Significant decrease in the activities of total, Na(+)-K(+)-, Mg(2+)-, and Ca(2+)-ATPases.
Conclusions:
- Chronic fluoride exposure induces oxidative stress and alters the structural and functional integrity of red blood cell membranes.
- Reduced ATPase activities suggest impaired cellular energy metabolism and ion transport in fluorotic patients.