Viper toxins affect membrane characteristics of human erythrocytes.

Elucidating electrokinetic stability by which surface charges regulate toxins interaction with erythrocytes is crucial for understanding the cell functionality. Electrokinetic properties of human erythrocytes upon treatment of Vipoxin, phospholipase A (PLA) and Vipoxin acidic component (VAC), isolated from Vipera ammodytes meridionalis venom were studied using particle microelectrophoresis. PLA and Vipoxin treatments alter the osmotic fragility of erythrocyte membranes. The increased stability of cells upon viper toxins is presented by the increased zeta potential of erythrocytes before sedimentation of cells during electric field applied preventing the aggregation of cells. Lipid peroxidation of low dose toxin-treated erythrocytes shows reduced LP products compared to untreated cells. The apparent proton efflux and conductivity assays are performed and the effectiveness PLA > Vipoxin>VAC is discussed. The reported results open perspectives to a further investigation of the electrokinetic properties of the membrane after viper toxins treatment to shed light on the molecular mechanisms driving the mechanisms of inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.