Annurca apple polyphenols prevent mercury-induced phosphatidylserine externalization in human erythrocytes via calcium-dependent PLSCR1 regulation.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on the surface of red blood cells (RBC) is a hallmark of membrane asymmetry loss and a prothrombotic signal often induced by oxidative stress and heavy metal toxicity. Mercury (Hg) is known to disrupt cellular redox balance and calcium homeostasis, leading to PS externalization and increased thrombotic risk. Natural antioxidants such as polyphenols may provide protection against these effects. The Annurca apple (Malus pumila Mill. cv. Annurca), a cultivar rich in procyanidins and phenolic compounds, has shown antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties.