PSUN168 The relationship between vitamin C concentrations and reduced red blood cell deformability in diabetes

BACKGROUND: Microvascular angiopathy is a common complication for patients with diabetes. Reduced red blood cell (RBC) deformability in diabetes has been associated with micro- and macrovascular complications such as diabetic nephropathy and coronary artery disease. Preliminary studies in mice have shown an inverse relationship between RBC vitamin C concentrations and RBC deformability measures. This study investigated the relationship between RBC vitamin C concentration and cell deformability measures. METHODS: We analyzed RBC deformability and vitamin C level in a cross-sectional cohort study of individuals with diabetes (n=82) and non-diabetic controls (n=80). Subjects were studied outpatient, with samples obtained following an overnight fast. RBC rigidity parameters defined as SS1/2 (shear stress at which half of the maximum deformability occurs) was assessed using the laser diffraction viscometry ektacytometer (LORRCA, Mechatronics, Netherland). We also quantified osmotic sensitivity by measuring deformability under an osmotic gradient (osmoScan, o-hyper; osmolality corresponding to 50% of the Elmax). Vitamin C in plasma was measured using coulometric electrochemical detection with high performance liquid chromatography. We evaluated the association between these deformability parameters, vitamin C concentration. RESULTS: Compared to the non-diabetic cohort, the diabetes cohort had significantly lower RBC vitamin C concentration, respectively 28.1µM and 42.9µM (p=0.0013). Low RBC vitamin C concentration was significantly associated with reduce RBC deformability measured by increased SS1/2 (p=0.009). Additionally, low RBC vitamin C was associated with decreased o-hyper, suggesting a decrease dehydration of RBC (p=0.0250). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate reduced vitamin c levels in the diabetic cohort. Reduced RBC deformability is associated with reduced RBC vitamin C concentration. Thus, reduced vitamin C levels in diabetic patients might increase red blood cell rigidity and reduce deformability. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.