Changes in erythrocyte ATPase activity under different pathological conditions

Background: Studies have shown that Na+-K+ ATPase activity was altered in disrupted red blood cell membranes and this enzyme is believed to be the site of active transport of Na+ and K+ in intact red blood cells. The enzyme is often referred to as Na+- K+ pump because it pumps Na+ out and K+ into the cell against gradients with the concomitant hydrolysis of intracellular ATP.Objective: The aim of this study was to find out the possibility of using Na+-K+-ATPase activity as a biomarker for the diagnosis of individuals with different physiological conditions.Materials and methods: The activity of Na+-K+ ATPase was determined in blood samples collected from different pathological and physiological conditions such as pregnancy, smoking, diabetes and renal dysfunction compared with healthy subjects matched for age and sex.Results: The Na+-K+ ATPase activity in pregnancy (0.094 ± 0.0051 μM Pi/min. mg protein), smoking (0.064 ± 0.0011 μM), diabetes (0.047 μM 0.002 μM) and kidney disease (0.069 ± 0.0014 μM) was higher compared to the measurements in healthy individuals (0.0081 ± 0.0031 μM).Conclusion: Na+- K+ATPase specific activity is a biomarker for the diagnosis of individuals with different physiological diseases.Keywords: Na+-K+ATPase, red blood cell, pregnancy, smoking, diabetes, kidney diseases