Myricetin-induced suicidal erythrocyte death

Myricetin, a type of flavonol commonly found in fruits and herbs, has demonstrated anticancer properties by triggering the process of apoptosis or programmed cell death in tumor cells. Despite the absence of mitochondria and nuclei, erythrocytes can undergo programmed cell death, also known as eryptosis.This process is characterized by cell shrinkage, externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the cell membrane, and the formation of membrane blebs. The signaling of eryptosis involves Ca²⁺ influx, the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the accumulation of cell surface ceramide. The present study explored the effects of myricetin on eryptosis.

Human erythrocytes were exposed to various concentrations of myricetin (2-8 µM) for 24 h. Flow cytometry was used to assess the markers of eryptosis, including PS exposure, cellular volume, cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, and ceramide accumulation. In addition, the levels of intracellular ROS were measured using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA) assay. The myricetin-treated (8 µM) erythrocytes significantly increased Annexin-positive cells, Fluo-3 fluorescence intensity, DCF fluorescence intensity, and the accumulation of ceramide. The impact of myricetin on the binding of annexin-V was significantly reduced, but not completely eliminated, by the nominal removal of extracellular Ca²⁺.

Myricetin triggers eryptosis, which is accompanied and, at least in part, caused by Ca²⁺ influx, oxidative stress and increase of ceramide abundance.