Inhibition of iron ion-induced oxidative damage of erythrocyte membranes and low density lipoprotein by a Maillard product, 4-hydroxy-2(or 5)-ethyl-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (HEMF).

4-Hydroxy-2(or 5)-ethyl-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (HEMF) is representative of the Maillard reaction-derived reductones found in many foodstuffs. Influence of HEMF on iron ion-induced oxidative modification of human erythrocyte membranes and low density lipoprotein (LDL) under aerobic conditions was investigated. When human erythrocytes were incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 h with HEMF alone, levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and non-ionic detergent C12E8-insoluble membrane protein aggregates in the membranes were unchanged. Levels of TBARS and protein aggregates in the membranes increased on treatment of the cells with Fe(III) ion at 37 degrees C for 3 h were lowered in the presence of HEMF. Western blot analysis indicated that aggregates of band 3 protein induced by Fe (III) ion were decreased in the presence of HEMF, and the level of TBARS in LDL increased on treatment with Fe(II) or Fe(II) ion at 37 degrees C for 24 h was also lowered in the presence of HEMF. The results indicate that HEMF protected the iron ion-induced oxidative modification of human erythrocyte membranes and LDL.