Inhibition of copper-amyloid induced erythrocyte oxidative stress by polyphenols

Tuesday, October 09, 2012 — Poster Session I
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m	Natcher Conference Center, Building 45	NIA	AGING-4

Authors

• HR Lucas
• JM Rifkind

Abstract

Erythrocyte oxidative stress resulting in improper tissue perfusion is a primary trigger for neuronal dysfunction and is considered a causative factor contributing to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the associated loss of cognitive function. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by copper bound amyloid-β peptide (CuAβ) are also thought to contribute to AD pathogenesis since insoluble proteinaceous deposits enriched with amyloid plaques and copper are found in AD brains. Previously we reported that erythrocytes bind amyloid on the vasculature and that erythrocyte exposure to a partially aggregated form of CuAβ leads to a pronounced increase in red blood cell (RBC) oxidative stress. Since polyphenols such as resveratrol and quercetin have been shown to incorporate into red cell membranes and increase the oxidant scavenging ability of the cell, we investigated the ability of these antioxidants to prevent red cell oxidative stress promoted by CuAβ/ROS. In this work, we show that oxidative reactions promoted by CuAβ occur in close proximity to the red cell membrane and that natural antioxidants found in our diets can protect erythrocytes from the associated oxidative stress and may subsequently reduce vascular inflammation, cognitive impairment, and/or neurodegeneration associated with AD.

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