Role of resveratrol in regulation of membrane transporters and integrity of human erythrocytes

• We present evidence to show the modulation of membrane transport systems by resveratrol.
• The involvement of oxidative stress in the modulation of membrane transporters by resveratrol has been defined.
• The study provides a new insight with respect to mechanism(s) which underlie the health beneficial effects of resveratrol.

An altered ion homeostasis due to impaired membrane transporters is known to be involved in the pathophysiology of many chronic diseases. Resveratrol, a phytoalexin, has been reported to elicit pleiotropic health-promoting effects, however, the mechanism(s) which underlie these effects remain speculative. The present study investigate the modulatory role of resveratrol on erythrocyte membrane Ca2+ATPase (PMCA pump), Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA pump), and Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) in control and experimental-oxidative stress conditions. Results suggest that resveratrol is a potent modulator of membrane transporters evidenced by stimulation of PMCA and NKA pumps and down-regulation of NHE. The observed effects on membrane transporters correlated with susceptibility of erythrocyte membrane to oxidative damage. The findings provide an insight into the role of membrane transporters and their involvement in the health beneficial effects of resveratrol.