Red blood cells in iron deficiency anemia (IDA) have a decreased activity of essential antioxidant enzymes. The present study examined the effect of in vitro exposure to oxidative agents in IDA cells and their recovery capacity. Red cells of 26 IDA patients and 10 healthy subjects were examined. Cells of IDA patients had higher levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), and normal methemoglobin and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) levels. Exposure to butyl hydro-peroxide revealed a dose-dependent sensitivity in IDA cells, with extensive GSH depletion and increased MDA levels. These changes were partially reversible by incubation with dithiothreitol. Exposure to phenazine methosulfate, to produce intracellular superoxide ions, resulted in moderate GSH depletion and methemoglobin production. IDA cells were more sensitive than control cells to high concentrations of this substance. This effect was further augmented by preincubation with a superoxide dismutase inhibitor. Our data demonstrate that IDA cells are more susceptible to oxidation but have good capacity for recovery.

Keywords:
Erythrocytes, Glutathione, Iron deficiency, Methemoglobin, Oxidative stress
© 1993 S. Karger AG, Basel
1993
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.