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Atorvastatin Induced Erythrocytes Membrane Blebbing
Rumaisa Bashir Rana1, Kashif Jilani1, Muhammad Shahid1
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Dose-Response : a Publication of International Hormesis Society
|August 27, 2019
Summary
Atorvastatin may cause oxidative stress and eryptosis (suicidal erythrocyte death) in human red blood cells. This study investigated atorvastatin
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Atorvastatin is a common treatment for hypercholesterolemia.
- The toxic effects of atorvastatin on erythrocytes, specifically eryptosis, are not well understood.
- Eryptosis, or suicidal erythrocyte death, is characterized by membrane blebbing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential eryptotic effects of atorvastatin on human erythrocytes.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms, including oxidative stress, involved in atorvastatin-induced eryptosis.
Main Methods:
- Erythrocytes were exposed to varying concentrations of atorvastatin (1-10 µM) for 48 hours.
- Eryptosis was assessed via cell size measurement and calcium channel inhibition.
- Oxidative stress markers (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activities) were evaluated.
- Hemolytic assay was used to determine the necrotic effect.
Main Results:
- Atorvastatin treatment led to a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities, indicating induced oxidative stress.
- Erythrocytes exhibited membrane blebbing, a key marker of eryptosis, following atorvastatin exposure.
- Atorvastatin demonstrated necrotic effects on erythrocytes via hemolytic assay.
Conclusions:
- Atorvastatin can induce oxidative stress in human erythrocytes.
- The induced oxidative stress by atorvastatin may lead to eryptosis.
- These findings highlight potential toxic effects of atorvastatin on red blood cells.
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