Hypochlorous acid-induced lysis of human erythrocytes. Inhibition of cellular damage by the isoflavonoid genistein-8-C-glucoside

Erythrocyte damage induced by hypochlorous acid (HOCl) results in cell lysi s developing with time after the oxidant is removed (post-hemolysis). The a pparent rate constant of post-hemolysis depends on time of incubation in th e presence of HOCl and concentration of this oxidant. HOCl-dependent damage of erythrocyte membranes is associated with uncompetitive inhibition of th e membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase. Genistein-8-C-glucoside is an isofla vonoid isolated from the flowers of Lupinus luteus L.; in aqueous solution, genistein-8-C-glucoside (0.5-2 mM) efficiently inhibited HOCl-induced dama ge to erythrocytes similar to the known HOCl scavengers taurine and reduced glutathione. This bioflavonoid can protect the erythrocyte membrane (and t o a lesser extent, intraerythrocytic components) by interacting with the re active chlorine species including hypochlorous acid and membrane-bound chlo roamines formed in the reaction of HOCl with erythrocyte membrane proteins.