Inhibition of Iron-Induced Oxidative Damage of Erythrocyte Membranes and Low Density Lipoprotein by a Mailard Product, 4-Hydroxy-2(or 5)-ethyl-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H-furanone (HEMF)

Abstract

4-Hydroxy-2(or 5)-ethyl-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (HEMF) is representative of the Mailard reaction-derived reductones found in many foodstuffs. Influence of HEMF on iron ion-induced oxidative modification of human erythrocyte membranes and low density lipoprotein (LDL) under aerobic conditions was investigated.When human erythrocytes were incubated at 37°C for 24 h with HEMF alone, levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and non-ionic detergent C₁₂E₈-insoluble membrane protein aggregates in the membranes were unchanged. Levels of TBARS and protein aggregates in the membranes increased on treatment of the cells with Fe(III) ion at 37°C for 3 h were lowered in the presence of HEMF. Western blot analysis indicated that aggregates of band 3 protein induced by Fe (III) ion were decreased in the presence of HEMF, and the level of TBARS in LDL increased on treatment with Fe(III) of Fe(II) ion at 37°C for 24 h was also lowered in the presence of HEMF. The results indicate that HEMF protected the iron ion-induced oxidative modification of human erythrocyte membranes and LDL.