Amyloid β-induced erythrocytic damage and its attenuation by carotenoids

The presence of amyloid beta-peptide (A beta) in human blood has recently been established, and it has been hypothesized that A beta readily contacts red blood cells (RBC) and oxidatively impairs RBC functions. In this study, we conducted in vitro and in vivo studies, which provide evidence that A beta induces oxidative injury to RBC by binding to them, causing RBC phospholipid peroxidation and diminishing RBC endogenous carotenoids, especially xanthophylls. This type of damage is likely to injure the vasculature, potentially reducing oxygen delivery to the brain and facilitating Alzheimer's disease (AD). As a preventive strategy, because the A beta-induced RBC damage could be attenuated by treatment of RBC with xanthophylls, we suggest that xanthophylls may contribute to the prevention of AD. (C) 2011 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.