Sphingosine-1-phosphate Decreases Erythrocyte Dysfunction Induced by β-Amyloid

Amyloid beta peptides (Aβ) have been identified as the main pathogenic agents in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Soluble Aβ oligomers, rather than monomer or insoluble amyloid fibrils, show red blood cell (RBC) membrane-binding capacity and trigger several morphological and functional alterations in RBCs that can result in impaired oxygen transport and delivery. Since bioactive lipids have been recently proposed as potent protective agents against Aβ toxicity, we investigated the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in signaling pathways involved in the mechanism underlying ATP release in Ab-treated RBCs. In RBCs following different treatments, the ATP, 2,3 DPG and cAMP levels and caspase 3 activity were determined by spectrophotometric and immunoassay. S1P rescued the inhibition of ATP release from RBCs triggered by Ab, through a mechanism involving caspase-3 and restoring 2,3 DPG and cAMP levels within the cell. These findings reveal the molecular basis of S1P protection against Aβ in RBCs and suggest new therapeutic avenues in AD.