In vitro proteolysis of the red cell membrane in patients with HIV infection.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

In vitro proteolysis of the red cell membrane in patients with HIV infection.

Pathobiology. 1995;63(1):42-7. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/96055647
De Angelis V; Biasinutto C; Pradella P; Steffan A; Spina M; Errante D; De Matteis MC; Vettore L; Servizio Immunotrasfusionale e Analisi Cliniche, IRCCS Centro di; Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italia.

Abstract: It has been suggested that acquired abnormalities of the red cell membrane due to various injuries [azidothymidine (AZT) therapy, immunoglobulin coating of red cells, differentiation abnormalities of erythroid precursors] contribute to the onset of anaemia in HIV-infected patients. In vitro proteolysis of erythrocyte membrane proteins is regarded as a molecular marker of membrane damage induced in vivo by different agents. We therefore investigated in vitro proteolysis of ghosts derived from red blood cells of 30 HIV-infected patients. Considered collectively, there was no significant increase in in vitro proteolysis in ghosts from anaemic HIV patients. However, a significantly higher degree of in vitro self-digestion of RBC membrane proteins was evident in HIV-infected patients with spleen enlargement, but not in splenomegalic patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. Neither AZT therapy nor the presence of a positive direct antiglobulin test seemed to be directly associated with increased in vitro protein breakdown. The results seem to suggest damage of the red cell membrane in HIV infection, induced by injuries on red cells during their prolonged retention inside an enlarged spleen, while it seems unlikely that AZT therapy or immunoglobulin coating of red cells play major roles in red cell damage.

Keywords: Adult Antiviral Agents/THERAPEUTIC USE Blood Proteins/METABOLISM Erythrocyte Membrane/CHEMISTRY/*PHYSIOLOGY/ULTRASTRUCTURE Erythrocytes/PHYSIOLOGY/ULTRASTRUCTURE Female Glycophorin/METABOLISM/PHYSIOLOGY Hemoglobins/ANALYSIS Human HIV Infections/*BLOOD/DRUG THERAPY/PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Male Membrane Proteins/*METABOLISM Middle Age Spleen/PATHOLOGY Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Zidovudine/THERAPEUTIC USE JOURNAL ARTICLE

960130
M9610805

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1996. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1996. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .