Biophysical characterization of genistein-membrane interaction and its correlation with biological effect on cells - The case of EYPC liposomes and human erythrocyte membranes.

With application of EPR and (1)H NMR techniques genistein interaction with liposomes formed with egg yolk lecithin and with erythrocyte membranes was assessed. The present study addressed the problem of genistein localization and its effects on lipid membrane fluidity and protein conformation. The range of microscopic techniques was employed to study genistein effects on HeLa cells and human erythrocytes.

FTIR, (1)H NMR and EPR spectroscopy studies on the interaction of flavone apigenin with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes.

Apigenin (5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavone) is a cancer chemopreventive agent and a member of the family of plant flavonoids. Apigenin interaction with liposomes formed with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was investigated by means of FTIR spectroscopy, (1)H NMR and EPR techniques. Fluorescent microscopy and electron microscopy were applied to study the apigenin effects on colon myofibroblasts and human skin fibroblasts.

Localization and interaction of genistein with model membranes formed with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC).

The effect of genistein on the liposomes formed with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine was studied with the application of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance techniques. Membranous structures organization of human skin fibroblasts and colon myofibroblasts was also examined using fluorescence and electron microscopy. The strongest rigidifying effect of genistein with respect to polar head groups was concluded on the basis of the effect of the flavonoid on the shape of NMR lines attributed to -N+(CH3)3 groups.

The study of the quercetin action on human erythrocyte membranes.

Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid that exerts multiple pharmacological effects. In our previous study, we showed that quercetin greatly affects the lipid membrane. In this report, a study of quercetin on human erythrocyte membrane has been performed to determine the influence of this flavonoid on the fluidity and the conformational changes of membrane proteins.