Based on the biochemical composition of erythrocyte membrane and asymmetric distribution of phospholipids, proteins, and cholesterol, FT-IR spectroscopy can monitor the distribution and interaction pattern of membrane constituents.
Material and methods: The study series included 21 clinically healthy subjects aged between 20 and 60 years. Complete blood counts were performed and the serum biochemical compounds (cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, glucose) were determined.
Results and discussions: The parameters that can be assessed by erythrocyte FT-IR in relation with the biochemical factors that may influence membrane fluidity are: degree of fatty acids unsaturation, saturated fatty acids/unsaturated fatty acids ratio, cholesterol/phospholipids ratio, and phospholipids/protein ratio. Based on the obtained results, in the assessment of membrane status the following vibration modes were selected as spectral parameters: vibration associated valence bond (=CH), asymmetric valence CH2 groups, modes associated with P=O bond and amine bands I and II specific for proteins. Other parameters, such as v(C-O) specific to glucose, may provide additional information on glucose metabolic status.
Conclusions: By correlating biochemical markers with these spectral parameters information on red cell membrane status, status that may reflect different pathological processes, can be obtained.