Oxidation stress as a mechanism of aging in human erythrocytes: protective effect of Açaì (Euterpe oleracea) extract

Aging is a process characterized by a general decline in physiological functions. High bioavailability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in the aging rate. Due to the close relationship between aging and oxidative stress (OS), flavonoids are excellent candidates to counteract age-related changes. This study was conceived to verify the protective role of Açaì extract in a D-Galactose (D-Gal)-induced aging model in human erythrocytes. ROS production, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, oxidation of protein sulfhydryl groups, markers of aging, anion exchange capability through Band 3 protein (B3p), glycated haemoglobin (A1c) levels have been analysed in erythrocytes treated with D-Gal for 24 hours, with or without 1 hour pre-incubation with 0.5-10 µg/mL Açaì extract. Our results show that the extract avoided the formation of acanthocytes or leptocytes observed after exposure to 50 and 100 mM D-Gal, respectively; prevented D-Gal-induced OS damage; restored the abnormal distribution of B3p and CD47. Interestingly, D-Gal exposure was associated with an acceleration of the rate constant of SO4²⁻ uptake through B3p, as well as glycated haemoglobin (A1c) formation. Both alterations have been attenuated by pre-treatment with the Açaì extract. These findings contribute to clarify the aging mechanisms in human erythrocytes and propose flavonoids as natural antioxidants for the treatment and prevention of OS-related disease conditions.