Close relationship between high HbA levels and methemoglobin generation in human erythrocytes: The enhancement of oxidative stress in the process.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of diabetic plasma on human red blood cells (RBCs) in order to highlight the amplification mechanisms of oxidative stress (OS) in relation to methemoglobin (metHb) production, a potential bio-indicator that could be related to diabetes disease.

Research Design And Methods: Normal RBCs were co-incubated with the diabetic plasma of 24 patients at different HbA levels, for 0, 24, and 48 h in order to assess cell turbidity and hemoglobin (Hb) stability. Hb and metHb production were quantified inside and outside RBCs.