Effects of genistein and daidzein on erythrocyte membrane fluidity: an electron paramagnetic resonance study

Abstract

The maintenance of erythrocyte membrane fluidity at the physiological level is an important factor affecting the ability of erythrocytes to pass through blood vessels of small luminal diameter. Genistein and daidzein, which are used as alternative therapeutics in cardiovascular conditions, can be incorporated into the cell membrane and change its fluidity. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of genistein and daidzein on erythrocyte membrane fluidity at graded depths. We used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and fatty acid spin probes (5-DS and 12-DS) where EPR spectra were dependent on fluidity. The results showed that genistein significantly (p < 0.05) decreased erythrocyte membrane fluidity near the hydrophilic surface, while daidzein significantly (p < 0.05) increased the same parameter in deeper regions of the membrane. These data suggest that the deep fluidizing effects of daidzein on erythrocyte membranes make it a better therapeutic choice than genistein in some cardiovascular conditions.