Background:Membrane structure in metabolic syndrome has not been fully investigated. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between structural parameters of the erythrocyte membrane and blood pressure, indices of obesity, plasma lipids, and glucose levels in female patients with metabolic syndrome.Material/Methods:In 23 women with metabolic syndrome and 12 control normotensive women, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and serum lipids were evaluated and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Erythrocyte membranes obtained from these patients were investigated by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and the spin-labeling method. The order parameter S (membrane microviscosity), parameter h (index of membrane hydrophobicity), and the a/b ratio (index of the membrane surface configuration) were calculated. Data were analyzed using univariate correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis.Results:All membrane parameters differed significantly in women with metabolic syndrome from controls (P

Keywords: Erythrocyte Membrane - physiology, Metabolic Syndrome X - blood, Metabolic Syndrome X - physiopathology, Obesity - blood, Blood Glucose - metabolism, Blood Pressure, body size, Body Weight, Erythrocyte Membrane - ultrastructure, Glucose Tolerance Test, Lipids - blood, Metabolic Syndrome X - physiopathology, Obesity - physiopathology, Reference Values, Regression Analysis