Effects of p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid on Erythrocytes Exposed to Oxidative Stress

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) causes deleterious changes in erythrocytes leading to hemolysis and macrophage-mediated removal from the circulation. Antioxidants have proven to protect the erythrocytes from induced OS in vitro. Hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), a phenolic compound, exhibits free radical scavenging properties. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the role of HBA on erythrocytes subjected to OS. Materials and Methods: Erythrocytes isolated from the blood collected from male Wistar rats were grouped into controls and experimental groups—samples with 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), HBA10 (10 mM HBA), HBA30 (30 mM HBA), and samples with combination of AAPH and HBA. The markers of OS and antioxidant status were determined. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 8 Software. Results: Hemoglobin decreased in HBA and AAPH + HBA groups against their respective controls. Conjugate dienes increased in HBA10 against control. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) increased in AAPH + HBA10 against AAPH. Superoxide dismutase activity elevated in the AAPH + HBA10 group compared with AAPH. Catalase levels increased in HBA10 against control. Conclusion: p-Hydroxybenzoic acid has proved to be beneficial in scavenging the free radicals generated by AAPH as reflected in the results of hemolysis, sulfhydryls, and TBARS and antioxidant enzymes.