Changes in protein profile of erythrocyte membrane in bronchial asthma

Erythrocyte membrane proteins reflect the prototype of multifunctional proteins of various erythroid and non-erythroid cells, which demonstrate various cellular functions. The protein profile of cells changes in various diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand the changes in protein profile of erythrocyte membranes in bronchial asthma.

The study included 20 patients of bronchial asthma and 20 healthy subjects. Erythrocytes were isolated from peripheral blood, membranes were prepared followed by the determination of protein contents, and protein profile was assessed using SDS-PAGE.

In bronchial asthma, the protein contents of erythrocyte membranes in asthmatic patients were significantly higher (p < .005) than in healthy controls. Analysis of protein profile showed absence of the proteins, namely, band 4.2 and adducin subunit-II, and appearance of protein bands of molecular weights corresponding to galectin-3, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, β-actin, dematin, band 4.1, and adducin (subunit-I) in asthmatic patients when compared with healthy controls.

In asthma, there are quantitative and qualitative changes in proteins of erythrocyte membranes. The absence of band 4.2 protein may cause impairment of the erythrocyte membrane integrity, and presence of galectin-3 may lead to the activation of various inflammatory cells. The altered protein profile may possibly lead to altered response of the inflammatory cells to the asthmogenic stimuli, which may be responsible for pathophysiology and manifestation of the symptoms of bronchial asthma.