Red cell and platelet‐derived microparticles are increased in G6 PD ‐deficient subjects

In response to oxidative stress and during apoptosis, cells often shed microparticles ( MP s), submicron elements carrying phosphatidylserine and protein antigens. Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase ( G 6 PD )‐deficient cells are extremely sensitive to oxidative damage that may lead to the formation of MP s. To determine whether G 6 PD deficiency alters membrane phospholipid asymmetry and increases MP s production, we determined the concentrations and cellular origins of MP s in G 6 PD ‐deficient individuals using flow cytometry. G6PD‐deficient individuals showed an increase in circulating MP s concentrations as compared with G 6 PD ‐normal individuals [1051/μL (865–2532/μL) vs. 258/μL (235–575/μL), P  <   0.01]. MP s concentrations were significantly increased with the severity of G 6 PD deficiency. Median MP s concentrations from individuals with severe G 6 PD deficiency, and individuals with moderate G 6 PD deficiency were 2567/μL (1216–2532/μL) and 984/μL (685–2107/μL), respectively ( P  <   0.01). Importantly, G6PD enzymatic activity was significantly correlated with MPs concentrations with r 2  = 0.731. MPs found in G6PD deficiency individuals were largely derived from red blood cells (RBCs) (45%) and platelets (30%). Additionally, Atomic Force Microscopy was used to study the morphology and measures the diameter of MP s found in G6PD‐deficient individuals. The mean ( SD ) width and height of RMP s were 0. 41 (0.18) and 2.04 (0.14) μm, respectively. Together, these results indicate that MP concentration is significantly correlated with G 6 PD enzymatic activity and is increased in G6PD‐deficient as compared with G 6 PD ‐normal individuals. Our data also provide an evidence for an alteration in cell membrane associated with a decreased in G6PD activity. However, the significance of MP s in G 6 PD deficiency needs further clarification.