Roles of Adiponectin and Oxidative Stress in the Regulation of Membrane Microviscosity of Red Blood Cells in Hypertensive Men—An Electron Spin Resonance Study

This study was undertaken to investigate possible relationships among plasma adiponectin, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PG F2α: an index of oxidative stress), and membrane fluidity (a reciprocal value of microviscosity) in hypertensive and normotensive men using an electron spin resonance-method. The order parameter (S) for the spin-label agent (5-nitroxide stearate) in red blood cell (RBC) membranes was higher in hypertensive men than in normotensive men, indicating that membrane fluidity was decreased in hypertension. Plasma adiponectin and NO metabolites levels were lower in hypertensive men than in normotensive men. In contrast, plasma 8-iso-PG F2α levels were increased in hypertensive men compared with normotensive men. Plasma adiponectin concentration was correlated with plasma NO-metabolites, and inversely correlated with plasma 8-iso-PG F2α. The order parameter (S) of RBCs was inversely correlated with plasma adiponectin and plasma NO metabolite levels, and positively correlated with plasma 8-iso-PG F2α, suggesting that the reduced membrane fluidity of RBCs might be associated with hypoadiponectinemia, endothelial dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress. In a multivariate regression analysis, adiponectin and 8-iso-PG F2α were significant determinants of membrane fluidity of RBCs after adjustment for general risk factors. These results suggest that adiponectin and oxidative stress might have a close correlation with rheologic behavior and microcirculation in hypertension.