Dynamic and electrokinetic behavior of erythrocyte membrane in diabetes mellitus and diabetic cardiovascular disease

The dynamic and electrokinetic properties of erythrocyte membrane are explored as significant indices involved in the association of diabetes and diabetic cardiovascular disease. Lipid peroxidation studies reveal malondialdehyde concentration to reach a maximum in diabetic cardiovascular patients. Lower fluidity of erythrocyte membrane implies declined ability of erythrocyte to deform in pathogenic state, which is supported by decreased osmotic resistance. Membrane protein profile modification detected by Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicates a significant reduction in the quantity of ankyrin protein band 2.1 in diabetic subjects. In addition the reduction in an immunoreactive band against polyclonal anti-ankyrin antibody during Western blot analysis confirms the modification of ankyrin protein in diseased erythrocyte (reported for the first time). The electrokinetic behavior of erythrocyte membrane is monitored by laser Doppler velocimetry mode of the Nano-ZS. Changes in zeta potential values of the red blood cell membrane are consistent with decreased membrane fluidity in diseased erythrocytes (reported for the first time). Membrane potential values of control, diabetic and diabetic cardiovascular erythrocytes are -37.24+/-1.5 mV, -28.44+/-1.34 mV, and -22.21+/-1.21 mV respectively indicating a gradual lowering of zeta potential when erythrocyte membrane undergoes progressive changes - from simple agglomeration to fluid gel formation - and finally to a rigid gel.