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Human red blood cell behaviour in hydroxyethyl starch: probed by single cell spectroscopy
Mithun N1, Jijo Lukose1, Shamee Shastry2
1Centre of Excellence for Biophotonics, Department of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Karnataka 576104 India santhosh.cls@manipal.edu.
RSC Advances
|May 6, 2022
Summary
Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) may harm red blood cells by reducing oxygen levels and causing membrane damage. Optical techniques reveal RBCs are more vulnerable to stress when exposed to HES compared to blood plasma.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cellular Biology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a widely used intravenous fluid, but its effects on blood cells remain debated.
- Understanding how intravenous fluids interact with blood cells is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biophysical response of human red blood cells (RBCs) to hydroxyethyl starch (HES) using advanced optical techniques.
- To assess morphological and biochemical alterations in RBCs under HES influence and external stress.
Main Methods:
- Utilized micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with optical tweezers for single live RBC analysis.
- Employed quantitative phase imaging for monitoring RBC morphological changes.
- Applied Principle Component Analysis (PCA) for spectral data discrimination.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in oxy-hemoglobin levels observed in RBCs suspended in HES.
- RBCs in HES exhibited increased vulnerability to externally induced stress compared to those in blood plasma.
- Spectral data indicated potential heme aggregation and membrane damage in RBCs exposed to HES under stress.
- PCA effectively differentiated RBCs in HES from those in blood plasma.
Conclusions:
- HES may induce biochemical and structural damage to red blood cells, particularly under stress.
- Optical techniques, specifically Raman tweezers, are valuable for studying cellular responses to intravenous fluids.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand the clinical implications of HES-induced RBC alterations.
