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DANIELA BUTERA

Cytoprotective effects of the antioxidant phytochemical indicaxanthin in β-thalassemia red blood cells.

  • Authors: Tesoriere, L; Allegra, M; Butera, D; Gentile, C; Livrea, MA
  • Publication year: 2006
  • Type: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
  • Key words: Antioxidants, betalains; haemoglobin; indicaxanthin; phytochemicals; red blood cells
  • OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/54152

Abstract

Antioxidant phytochemicals are investigated as novel treatments for supportive therapy in β-thalassemia. The dietary indicaxanthin was assessed for its protective effects on human β-thalassemic RBCs submitted in vitro to oxidative haemolysis by cumene hydroperoxide. Indicaxanthin at 1.0-10 μM enhanced the resistance to haemolysis dose-dependently. In addition, it prevented lipid and haemoglobin (Hb) oxidation, and retarded vitamin E and GSH depletion. After ex vivo spiking of blood from thalassemia patients with indicaxanthin, the phytochemical was recovered in the soluble cell compartment of the RBCs. A spectrophotometric study showed that indicaxanthin can reduce perferryl-Hb generated in solution from met-Hb and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), more effectively than either Trolox or vitamin C. Collectively our results demonstrate that indicaxanthin can be incorporated into the redox machinery of β-thalassemic RBC and defend the cell from oxidation, possibly interfering with perferryl-Hb, a reactive intermediate in the hydroperoxide-dependent Hb degradation. Opportunities of therapeutic interest for β-thalassemia may be considered.