LAUSR

This study investigated possible modulatory effects of melatonin treatment on red blood cell (RBC) metabolism in an auto incubation model. The study was carried out on six healthy donors (REF) and six sickle cell anemia patients by incubating RBCs in their own plasma at 37 °C, during different times (0, 1, 3 and 6 hours). Furthermore, the sickle cells were incubated at the presence (tSCA) or absence (SCA) of 1 mM melatonin. We assessed incubation period and treatment effects on markers of membrane stability, hemolysis and antioxidant capacity, as well as metabolic enzymes and subproducts. We confirmed the well-known increased osmotic resistance of sickle cells. The hemolytic rate increased over time in all three groups, except in the tSCA group at 6 hours. Neither incubation nor treatment influenced AChE activity and plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC). On the other hand, intra-erythrocyte TAC was higher in the REF after one hour of incubation. Moreover, melatonin treatment prevented NADPH cosumption and hemin formation, and it seemed to activate LDH. The protection effects of melatonin obtained indicate a promising use of melatonin as an antioxidant and alternative treatment for people with SCA.