Microrheological determinants and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids in vascular atherosclerotic disease (VAD)

Abstract

We evaluated the microrheological determinants and the red cell membrane individual membrane phospholipids in subjects with VAD. Our study included four groups of patients. In the first group, we evaluated the membrane lipid fluidity using the ghosts marked with DPH. In the second group, the erythrocyte membrane fluidity was employed marking intact red cells with pyrene. In the third group, the membrane fluidity transverse gradient was evaluated marking intact red cells with fatty acid fluorescent probes: 2-AP, 6-AS, 9-AS, 12-AS. In the fourth group we evaluated the red cell membrane phospholipids and the Iex/Im ratio. Examining the first group, it is evident that the fluorescence polarization degree does not discriminate normals from this group. Examining the second group, it is evident that the Iex/Im ratio distinguishes normals from this group. Examining the third group, it is evident that the degree of polarization obtained with each fatty acid fluorescent probe does not distinguish normals from this group. Examining the fourth group, it is evident that no significant difference is present between normals and this group regarding erythrocyte individual phospholipids; a slight significant correlation is evident only between the Iex/Im ratio and phosphatidylethanolamine.