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Higher levels of erythrocyte membrane microviscosity in diabetes
Abstract:
Significantly higher levels of erythrocyte membrane microviscosity (MV) [n-: 5.22 +/- 0.17 (4.70--5.92), mean +/- SD (range), poise, N = 67, P less than 0.005] measured by fluorescence depolarization using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene as a fluorescent probe were found in diabetic patients when compared with normal controls [5.05 +/- 0.15 (4.70--5.29), N = 22]. No significant differences in MV existed between males and females, nor was MV significantly correlated with diabetic age, duration of diabetes, plasma cholesterol, cholesterol/phsopholipid ratios, and plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activities. No significant difference in MV was observed between groups with or without diabetic retinopathy. There was, however, significantly higher MV [5.29 +/- 0.19 (5.00--5.92), N = 20, P less than 0.05] in the group with fasting blood glucose (FBG) greater than or equal to 140 mg/dl than that [5.19 +/- 0.15 (4.70--5.46), N = 47] in the group with FBG less than 140 mg/dl. The changes in erythrocyte membrane MV presented in this study appear to be related to the current metabolic control of diabetic patients and are considered to be one of the factors responsible for the reduced erythrocyte deformability in diabetes.
Insights
Diabetic patients exhibit higher erythrocyte membrane microviscosity (MV), a measure of red blood cell membrane fluidity. This increased viscosity is linked to poorer blood glucose control in diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with altered red blood cell properties.
- Erythrocyte membrane microviscosity (MV) is a key determinant of red blood cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate erythrocyte membrane microviscosity (MV) in diabetic patients.
- To explore correlations between MV and diabetes-related parameters.
Main Methods:
- Erythrocyte membrane microviscosity (MV) was measured using fluorescence depolarization with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene.
- Diabetic patients (N=67) and normal controls (N=22) were compared.
- MV was analyzed in relation to sex, diabetes duration, and metabolic control.
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients showed significantly higher erythrocyte MV compared to controls (P < 0.005).
- No significant differences in MV were found based on sex, diabetes duration, or diabetic retinopathy.
- Higher MV was observed in patients with fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 140 mg/dl compared to those with FBG < 140 mg/dl (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Erythrocyte membrane microviscosity is elevated in diabetic patients.
- Increased MV appears related to current metabolic control, specifically fasting blood glucose levels.
- Altered erythrocyte MV may contribute to reduced erythrocyte deformability in diabetes.