DOI: https://doi.org/10.22263/2312-4156.2026.1.9
K.V. Pyko, S.S. Osochuk
Influence of regular physical training on physicochemical properties of erythrocyte membranes in man
Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University, Vitebsk, Republic of Belarus
Vestnik VGMU. 2026;25(1):9-15.
Abstract.
Objectives. To assess the physicochemical properties of erythrocyte membranes in individuals engaged in regular physical training.
Material and Methods. The study included 36 healthy male athletes (mean age is 28.5±5 years) undergoing standardized training programs and 48 healthy controls (21.5±2years) without regular physical activity. Blood samples were collected in the fasting state; erythrocyte membranes were isolated using Dodge’s method. Membrane microviscosity and micropolarity were evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy with pyrene as a probe at concentrations of 1, 4, and 8 μmol/L. Microviscosity was determined using the pyrene excimerization coefficient, and micropolarity was assessed by the ratio of monomer fluorescence intensities at 374 and 394 nm.
Results. Athletes demonstrated a significant increase in tryptophanyl fluorescence intensity and lipid peroxidation products (Lys-POL, p=0.001 compared to controls, whereas bityrosine levels showed no difference. A reduction in both annular and total lipid pool microviscosity was observed at low pyrene concentrations, as well as increase in membrane micropolarity in all studied concentrations.
Conclusions. Regular physical training is associated with structural and physicochemical remodeling of erythrocyte membranes, characterized by decreased microviscosity and increased lipid bilayer micropolarity. These changes are likely to reflect long-term membrane adaptation to elevated metabolic demands, contributing to optimized gas exchange and erythrocyte functionality in athletes.
Keywords: erythrocyte, membrane, physical activity, pyrene, micropolarity.
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Submitted 06.11.2025
Accepted 16.02.2026
Information about authors:
Kirill V. Pyko – postgraduate of the Chair of General & Clinical Biochemistry with the course of the Faculty for Advanced Training & Retraining, Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University, e-mail: Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра.;
S.S. Osochuk – Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor, head of the research laboratory, Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University.
