Objective: To evaluate the effect of oxidative stress on membrane proteins according to relationship between malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and membrane protein ratios in different two patient groups.
Methods: Fifty-seven healthy control cases that had no symptoms of inherited blood diseases, 50 diagnosed β-thalassemic patients, and 30 patients with iron deficiency anemia were enrolled. Erythrocyte membrane samples were prepared according to Dodge method and proteins were separated using 8.3% SDS-PAGE. Gels were stained with Coomassie Brillant Blue, then fraction quantities were determined by dansitometric method. MDA levels were measured by thiobarbituric acid method in plasma. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare parameters between groups.
Results: Significant difference in protein deficiency rates for spectrin and band 4.2 in group I, band 6 in group II and band 3 in group I and II when compared with control group (group III) were found. The significant difference between group I and II wasn't determined in spite of the fact that MDA levels of patients were different from the control group statistically.
Conclusions: Any significant relationship statistically was not found. This consequence may be due to priority removal of oxidatively injured cells from the circulation in thalassemic patients and therefore, significant increase wasn't determined in the concentration of MDA.