RESUMO
Erythrocytes undergo several changes during human aging and age-related diseases and, thus, have been studied as biomarkers of the aging process. The present study aimed to explore the antioxidant ability of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as iron oxide (Fe3O4), gold (Au), and silver (Ag) to mitigate age-related oxidative stress in human erythrocytes. Metal and metal oxide NPs behave like antioxidative enzymes, directly influencing redox pathways and thus have better efficiency. Additionally, biopolymer coatings such as dextran enhance the biocompatibility of these NPs. Therefore, dextran-coated Fe3O4, Au, and Ag NPs were synthesized using wet chemical methods and were characterized. Their hemocompatibility and ability to protect erythrocytes from age-induced oxidative stress were investigated. The Fe3O4 and Au NPs were observed to protect erythrocytes from hydrogen peroxide and age-induced oxidative damage, including decreased antioxidant levels, reduced activity of antioxidative enzymes, and increased amounts of oxidative species. Pretreatment with NPs preserved the morphology and membrane integrity of the erythrocyte. However, Ag NPs induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes similar to hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, dextran-coated Fe3O4 and Au nanoparticles have the potential to be employed as antioxidant therapies against age-related oxidative stress.