Effect of artemisinin on lipid peroxidation and fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane in malaria

The effect of artemisinin on membrane fluidity of erythrocytes was investig ated using spin labeling compounds, doxyl;I stearic acids. The membrane flu idity of erythrocytes fi om the irt vitro culture and malaria patients was determined. In vitro, the erythrocytes in parasite culture showed an increa se in membrane fluidity which was associated with the parasite counts and s tage of parasites, Artemisinin caused reduction in membrane fluidity and th e effect was more pronounced in the erythrocytes infected with schizont sta ge-parasites. In vivo, the elevation of plasma TBARs (thiobarbituric acid r eactive substances) and reduction of membrane fluidity were evident in Plas modium falciparum-infected patients, particularly in severe cases. The leve ls of plasma TBARs were related to the severity of the disease, Treatment w ith artemisinin alone showed no effect on plasma TBARs, and did not alter t he membrane fluidity: Desferrioxamine, however, reduced oxidative damage du ring the infection without compromising the therapeutic effect of artemisin in, These findings suggested that the infected erythrocytes were prone to t he effect of artemisinin, Addition of a chelator such as desferrioxamine is beneficial and can improve the treatment of severe malaria.