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Effects of vitamin E in kid erythrocytes on Tween 20-induced hemolysis in vitro
Insights
This study shows that low levels of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) in red blood cells increase hemolysis. Supplementing vitamin E in the diet prevents this increased red blood cell damage.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Alpha-tocopherol, the primary form of vitamin E, is a crucial lipid-soluble antioxidant.
- Red blood cells (RBCs) are susceptible to oxidative damage, impacting their integrity and function.
- Dietary vitamin E intake significantly influences RBC alpha-tocopherol levels and susceptibility to hemolysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between red blood cell (RBC) alpha-tocopherol levels and hemolysis induced by Tween 20.
- To determine the critical concentration of RBC alpha-tocopherol required to prevent Tween 20-induced hemolysis in children.
Main Methods:
- Children were fed purified diets to induce varying levels of alpha-tocopherol sufficiency and deficiency.
- Red blood cells were analyzed for alpha-tocopherol content.
- Hemolysis induced by Tween 20 was measured as a percentage of cell lysis.
Main Results:
- RBC alpha-tocopherol levels became non-detectable within 4 weeks in vitamin E-deficient children.
- Hemolysis percentages increased to over 70% in vitamin E-deficient children.
- Dietary supplementation with vitamin E significantly decreased hemolysis, with a negative correlation observed between RBC tocopherol levels and Tween 20 hemolysis values.
Conclusions:
- Adequate red blood cell alpha-tocopherol levels are essential for protecting against oxidative damage, specifically hemolysis induced by agents like Tween 20.
- A concentration of 0.6 microgram/ml of packed RBCs is identified as the threshold for preventing significant hemolysis.
- Maintaining sufficient vitamin E status is critical for maintaining red blood cell integrity.
Abstract:
Red blood cells (RBC) of alpha-tocopherol sufficiency and deficiency were produced in kids fed on purified diets to investigate the relationship between RBC alpha-tocopherol levels and hemolysis induced by Tween 20. RBC alpha-tocopherol contents of vitamin E-deficient kids were non-detectable from 4 weeks, and percentages of hemolysis increased to over 70%. A highly significant decrease in hemolysis was noted when vitamin E was added to the diet. Tween 20 hemolysis values were negatively correlated with RBC tocopherol levels in kids. The concentration of RBC alpha-tocopherol required to prevent the hemolysis was found to be 0.6 microgram/ml packed cells.
