Exploring the Molecular Interplay Between Oxygen Transport, Cellular Oxygen Sensing, and Mitochondrial Respiration.

The mitochondria play a key role in maintaining oxygen homeostasis under normal oxygen tension (normoxia) and during oxygen deprivation (hypoxia). This is a critical balancing act between the oxygen content of the blood, the tissue oxygen sensing mechanisms, and the mitochondria, which ultimately consume most oxygen for energy production. We describe the well-defined role of the mitochondria in oxygen metabolism with a special focus on the impact on blood physiology and pathophysiology.

Biopreservation and reversal of oxidative injury during blood storage by a novel curcumin-based gel formulation.

Blood storage lesion induces cytosolic and membrane changes driven in part by hemoglobin (Hb) oxidation reactions within red blood cells (RBCs). A novel gel formulation containing the antioxidant curcuminoids in a biocompatible solvent system was used to deliver curcumin into RBCs. Incubation of peroxide treated RBCs stored in PBS with curcumin gel led to a reduction in prooxidant ferrylHb and recovery in ATP.

Impact of cold storage on the oxygenation and oxidation reactions of red blood cells.

Electrostatic binding of deoxyhemoglobin (Hb) to cytoplasmic domain of band 3 anion transport protein occurs as part of the glycolytic regulation in red blood cells (RBCs). Hb oxidation intermediates not only impact RBC's oxygenation but also RBC's membrane through the interaction with band 3. It is not known however whether these critical pathways undergo changes during the storage of RBCs.

Biopreservation and Reversal of Oxidative Injury During Blood Storage by a Novel Curcumin-based Gel Formulation.

Blood storage lesion induces cytosolic and membrane changes driven in part by hemoglobin (Hb) oxidation reactions within red blood cells (RBCs). A novel gel formulation containing the antioxidant curcuminoids in a biocompatible solvent system was used to deliver curcumin into RBCs. Incubation of peroxide treated RBCs stored in PBS with curcumin gel led to a reduction in prooxidant ferrylHb and recovery in ATP.