Abstract

Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are constantly exposed to oxidative stress, which can compromise their structural integrity and function. Hydrogen peroxide ($\text{H}_2\text{O}_2$), a reactive oxygen species, is a key mediator of this stress, leading to potential damage to the cell membrane and hemoglobin. This study investigates the regulatory mechanisms governing the structural stability of erythrocytes under the influence of extracellular $\text{H}_2\text{O}_2$. We developed a comprehensive mathematical model that describes the key stages of oxidative damage, including the formation of methemoglobin and ferrylhemoglobin, and their subsequent binding to the erythrocyte membrane. The model was parameterized and validated against experimental data, which involved exposing human erythrocytes to varying concentrations of $\text{H}_2\text{O}_2$ and monitoring markers of structural stability. Our findings reveal a critical, concentration-dependent role for $\text{H}_2\text{O}_2$ in modulating erythrocyte stability, highlighting the protective and damaging thresholds of oxidative challenge. The combined mathematical and experimental approach provides a robust framework for understanding the complex interplay between oxidative stress and red blood cell pathology, offering new insights into the mechanisms of hemolytic diseases and the aging process of erythrocytes.