A Novel Hemoglobin‐Based Oxygen Carrier, Polymerized Porcine Hemoglobin, Inhibits H2O2‐Induced Cytotoxicity of Endothelial Cells

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs), with their capacity for delivering oxygen, could potentially function as red blood cell substitutes or primary resuscitation solutions. However, there has been some concern regarding redox-related safety issues of HBOCs. The present study describes a novel function of polymerized porcine hemoglobin (pPolyHb) in protecting a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line from H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity. Through the examination of H₂O₂ consumption and ferrylhemoglobin formation, we found that pPolyHb exhibits antioxidant activity, suggesting that pPolyHb may protect cells from free radical-induced cell damage. Additionally, we investigated the effect of pPolyHb on H₂O₂-induced cell cytotoxicity, and found that pPolyHb significantly inhibits H₂O₂-mediated endothelial cell damage as well as apoptosis. Thus, pPolyHb may be developed as a new HBOC in the future.