Ethnic differences in erythrocyte membrane fluidity and the association with serum triacylglycerols

Citation
Ma. Miller et al., Ethnic differences in erythrocyte membrane fluidity and the association with serum triacylglycerols, CLIN SCI, 100(6), 2001, pp. 653-658
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
CLINICAL SCIENCE
ISSN journal
01435221 → ACNP
Volume
100
Issue
6
Year of publication
2001
Pages
653 - 658
Database
ISI
SICI code
0143-5221(200106)100:6<653:EDIEMF>2.0.ZU;2-X
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine whether there are difference s between black and white individuals with regard to the membrane fluidity of isolated erythrocytes, and/or in the relationships between membrane flui dity, gender and circulating lipids. Fluorescent polarization anisotropy. a s an index of membrane fluidity, was determined using the fluorescent probe 1 -(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) in 52 b lack and 52 white individuals, of whom 39 pairs were matched for age, sex a nd blood pressure. In the 39 matched pairs, the TMA-DPH anisotropy was sign ificantly higher in the black (0.262 +/- 0.007) compared with the white (0. 258 +/-0.005) subjects (P < 0.005). There was also a significant difference in serum lipids. Gender differences in TMA-DPH anisotropy were observed in the white but not in the black individuals. The associations between membr ane fluidity and serum lipids were examined in the total group, separated a ccording to ethnic group. Although the associations were in the same direct ion in both groups, the association was only significant in the white subje cts (r = -0.42; P <0.02). The ethnic difference in membrane fluidity was ab olished when adjusting for serum triacylglycerols. In conclusion. ethnic di fferences in erythrocyte membrane fluidity, as determined by the use of TMA -DPH anisotropy, appear to be the result of ethnic differences in the level of serum triacylglycerols.