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Flavonoids modulate liposomal membrane structure, regulate mitochondrial membrane permeability and prevent
Artem G Veiko1, Szymon Sekowski2, Elena A Lapshina1
1Department of Biochemistry, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, 230030 Grodno, Belarus.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Biomembranes
|August 20, 2020
Summary
Flavonoids like quercetin and catechin protect cell membranes from oxidative damage by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. These compounds also alter membrane fluidity, stability, and permeability, with effects varying by flavonoid type and membrane composition.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Membrane Biophysics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Flavonoids are plant-derived polyphenolic compounds with known antioxidant properties.
- Cellular membranes are susceptible to oxidative stress, impacting their function and integrity.
- Understanding flavonoid-membrane interactions is crucial for elucidating their biological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of quercetin, naringenin, and catechin with cellular and artificial membranes.
- To assess the impact of these flavonoids on membrane lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.
- To determine how flavonoids affect membrane biophysical properties, including fluidity, order, and stability.
Main Methods:
- Lipid peroxidation inhibition assays in rat erythrocytes.
- Mitochondrial permeability transition assays in isolated rat liver mitochondria.
- Fluorescence probe studies (TMA-DPH, DPH, Laurdan) to analyze membrane microfluidity and lipid packing.
- Zeta potential measurements and differential scanning calorimetry to evaluate liposome properties.
Main Results:
- Quercetin and catechin significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (IC50 values ~9-10 μM), while naringenin was less effective (IC50 ~38 μM).
- Flavonoids increased sensitivity to calcium-induced mitochondrial permeability transition.
- Quercetin decreased liposomal membrane microfluidity, whereas naringenin increased membrane order; both altered lipid packing and hydration.
- Quercetin and naringenin incorporation increased liposome zeta potential, bilayer area, and decreased phase transition temperature and enthalpy.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids modulate membrane properties, including fluidity, packing, stability, and electrokinetic characteristics.
- These modifications are linked to the prevention of oxidative stress and depend on the specific flavonoid and membrane type.
- The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of flavonoids against membrane damage.
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