Interaction of ROS with lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates of the plasma membranes can increase their level of lipid peroxidation, thus decreasing their fluidity and the activity of membrane enzymes [ 7].
In order to gain insight into the molecular processes causing the different phenotypes of the two brothers, studies have been performed that demonstrate variations in the levels of antioxidants [20], in lymphocyte TPI activity [19], in red blood cell membrane fluidity and enzyme activities and in the molecular composition of phospholipid subclasses between the two brothers [21], [22].
The content and molecular composition of EtnGpl and ChoGpl is critical for maintaining mitochondrial membrane fluidity and enzyme activities (Daum, 1985).
Increased level of LPO impairs membrane function by inhibiting the membrane fluidity and altering the activity of membrane bound enzymes and receptors [ 48].
During oxidative stress increased production of Lipid peroxidation impairs the membrane function by decreasing membrane fluidity and changing the activity of membrane-bound enzyme and receptors [ 53].
In addition, increased lipid peroxidation impairs membrane functions by decreasing membrane fluidity and changing the activity of membrane-bound enzymes and receptors.
Of interest is the observation by Martins-Silva et al. that HIV infection alters red cell and lymphocyte membrane fluidity and membrane protein activity and brings about changes in transmembrane calcium transportation [ 55].
In diabetes, hypoinsulinaemia increases the activity of the enzyme, fatty acyl coenzyme, coenzyme A oxidase, which initiates β-oxidation of fatty acids resulting in lipid peroxidation [ 50, 51] Increased lipid peroxidation impairs membrane functions by decreasing membrane fluidity, and changing the activity of membrane-bound enzymes [ 51].
They play a structural role in cell membranes, influencing their fluidity and membrane enzyme activities; in addition, some are the precursors of prostaglandins and other lipid mediators.
Since temperature influences membrane fluidity, enzymatic activity and protein-protein interactions, scaffolding proteins might be important to stabilize the molecular networks that act at the cortex to control cell shape.
