BACKGROUND Since red blood cells (RBCs) are the predominant cellular blood component interacting with the arterial wall, we explored the role of RBCs efferocytosis by vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) in the initiation of human atheroma. METHODS AND RESULTS The comparison of human healthy aortas with aortic fatty streaks or fibroatheromas revealed that RBC angiophagy is implicated from the...

This study aimed at investigating the effect of in vitro preservation on survival and oxygen-carrying capacity of RBCs and obtaining clear and definite function change of RBCs during their preservation. The transfusion of fresh red blood cells (RBCs) is recommended for transfusion-dependent patients. 0-dayand 35-day-stored RBCs are still equally used in clinical practice now, which may influenc...

In this investigation, we have measured the invasion and growth of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum into elliptocytic red blood cells (RBCs) obtained from subjects with homozygous hereditary elliptocytosis. These elliptocytic RBCs have been previously characterized to possess molecular defects in protein 4.1 and glycophorin C. Our results show that the invasion of Plasmodium falciparu...

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by glucocerebrosidase deficiency. It is notably characterized by splenomegaly, complex skeletal involvement, ischemic events of the spleen and bones, and the accumulation of Gaucher cells in several organs. We hypothesized that red blood cells (RBCs) might be involved in some features of GD and studied the adhesive and hemorheologic pr...

Red blood cells (RBCs) are among the most intensively studied cells in natural history, elucidating numerous principles and ground-breaking knowledge in cell biology. Morphologically, RBCs are largely homogeneous, and most of the functional studies have been performed on large populations of cells, masking putative cellular variations. We studied human and mouse RBCs by live-cell video imaging,...

Following the emergence of many blood transfusion-associated diseases, novel passive cell separation technologies, such as microfluidic devices, are increasingly designed and optimized to separate red cells (RBCs) white (WBCs) from whole blood. These systems allow for rapid diagnosis diseases without relying on complicated expensive hematology instruments flow microscopes, coagulation analyzers...

The supply of transfusable red blood cells (RBCs) is not sufficient in many countries. If transfusable RBCs could be produced abundantly from certain resources, it would be very useful. Our group has developed a method to produce enucleated RBCs efficiently from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells present in umbilical cord blood. More recently, it was reported that enucleated RBCs could be abun...

IMHA occurs as a both a primary and a secondary condition, resulting in the accelerated destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). The literature suggests that the majority of IMHA cases are primary or idiopathic in origin. Secondary IMHA occurs when a patient is exposed to drugs, medications or vaccinations, or has concurrent or underlying infectious or neoplastic disease, thus leading to antibody...

BACKGROUND Exposure to high concentrations of oxygen radicals, the lack of nucleus and mitochrondria, inability to synthesise new protein and degradation of detoxifying enzymes makes red blood cells (RBCs) uniquely vulnerable to oxidative stress. This review summarizes the changes in biochemical parameters that primarily contribute to alterations in red blood cells during oxidative stress. ME...

BACKGROUND Clinical trials are investigating the potential benefit resulting from a reduced maximum storage interval for red blood cells (RBCs). The key drivers that determine RBC age at the time of issue vary among individual hospitals. Although progressive reduction in the maximum storage period of RBCs would be expected to result in smaller hospital inventories and reduced blood availability...