Articles tagged with Erythrocytes
Dr. Karine Le Roch is investigating how malaria parasite multiplies in red blood cells using a $1.7 million NIH grant. The goal is to develop more effective strategies against this devastating disease, with potential new drug strategies also being explored.
The Georgia Tech-led Nanomedicine Center plans to pursue a clinically viable gene correction technology for single-gene disorders, including sickle cell disease. The team aims to deliver engineered zinc finger nucleases and DNA correction templates into hematopoietic stem cells to produce healthy red blood cells.
Researchers found that high erythropoietin levels are associated with increased mortality in older adults. High levels were linked to higher mortality rates independently of other factors, highlighting the hormone's potential prognostic value.
A study of 102,470 patients found that transfusion rates for red blood cells, plasma, and platelets varied greatly between hospitals, ranging from 0% to 92.8%. Researchers did not find a link between patient mortality rates and hospital transfusion practices.
A study of over 100,000 patients found significant variability in US hospital blood transfusion rates for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Despite varying rates, there were no significant differences in mortality rates among hospitals with different transfusion practices.
A restrictive use of blood transfusions during cardiac surgery was associated with similar death and severe illness rates as a liberal approach, according to a study published in JAMA. The researchers found that limiting red blood cell transfusions did not increase the risk of complications or death at 30 days.
Researchers found that free heme released from red blood cells during infection causes organ failure, but hemopexin can neutralize its toxic effects. Administering hemopexin improves survival rates in mice and may predict mortality in patients with severe sepsis.
Researchers at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a new pathway used by malaria parasites to infect human cells, providing a potential vaccine target. Blocking both the glycophorin and CR1 pathways results in a 90% decrease in parasite infection, suggesting an effective vaccine could significantly reduce malaria cases.
Researchers discovered a new biological pathway where microRNA helps protect red blood cells from injury caused by chemicals called free radicals. The study found that the microRNA regulates gene activity by acting on an unexpected signaling pathway, which may have medical implications beyond blood cell development.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a tiny RNA fragment, miR-451, that regulates red blood cell production. By inhibiting this process, they hope to develop new treatments for cancers and anemia.
A study found that trauma patients who received intraoperative cell salvage—a process collecting and re-infusing their own blood—had fewer allogeneic blood product units transfused compared to those without this procedure. This resulted in lower costs, with a cost difference of $968 per patient.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found a gene that regulates transcriptional elongation, enabling the body to rapidly produce mature red blood cells. This discovery may have implications for treating severe anemia and leukemia by understanding how the body can quickly switch on production of red cells.
Researchers at UAB will investigate the mechanisms behind red blood cell interactions with nitric oxide, shedding light on potential negative effects of older stored blood units on circulation and immune response. The goal is to design therapies to prevent transfusion-related toxicities.
The NHLBI is funding nine research grants to examine the effects of red blood cell storage time on patient outcomes. A large clinical trial, RECESS, will compare heart surgery patients' outcomes based on stored red blood cells' age.
Researchers at EMBL identified microRNAs MiR144 and MiR451 as crucial regulators of efficient red blood cell formation. These molecules help fine-tune genes involved in haematopoiesis, allowing for stable oxygen transport under challenging conditions.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute identify heparin-like carbohydrates that block malaria parasite's attachment to red blood cells, offering new potential for anti-malarial drugs. The study provides hope for developing effective treatments against the disease, which affects millions worldwide.
Researchers used systems biology approaches to study how hematopoietic cells react to high levels of erythropoietin. They found that the cells rapidly take up and break down the hormone, replenishing their receptors in a continuous process. This understanding may lead to developing more effective anemia treatments.
Researchers have discovered a new twist on a potential malaria drug target, which traps malaria parasites within infected red blood cells. This breakthrough identifies an essential step in the biology of the most common and severe malaria parasite and offers a new direction for fighting one of the world's most deadly infections.
Researchers developed a novel microscopy technique that reveals the mechanics of blood cell membranes, leading to a better understanding of deformability and its relation to morphology. This discovery has important implications for screening and treatment of blood-cell-morphology diseases such as malaria and sickle-cell disease.
Researchers found that 10% of Duffy-negative people in Madagascar were infected with P. vivax, contradicting the long-held assumption of resistance. The study suggests that population mixing and disease evolution have led to the emergence of new parasite strains that can infect Duffy-negative red blood cells.
Researchers have discovered a key enzyme that allows the malaria parasite to take over human red blood cells. Plasmepsin V is essential for the parasite's ability to secrete proteins into the host erythrocyte.
A new study shows that transferrin, a blood protein, can alleviate anemia and prevent fatal iron overload in humans. The research, conducted at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, suggests that treatment with transferrin could benefit people with thalassemia and other types of anemia.
Researchers have found that infectious HIV-1 virus particles can bind to the surface of red blood cells, significantly increasing their infectivity. This discovery suggests that erythrocytes may serve as a hidden reservoir for infectious HIV-1 virions.
A modified blood adult stem-cell transplant regimen has effectively reversed sickle cell disease in 9 of 10 adults with severe symptoms. The trial's results show that the treatment reduced toxicity and allowed patients to achieve stable mixed donor chimerism, completely replacing their disease-causing cells.
A German research team found that a severe influenza pandemic could result in a 40-50% reduction of RBC transfusion units in Germany, with up to 100,000 units being denied due to urgent needs. The study highlights the need for better understanding of demand and prioritization schemes.
Stiffer and stickier red blood cells cause anemia and joint pain in malaria patients. Researchers developed models to predict the disease's progression by analyzing temperature fluctuations and cell stiffness.
A team of scientists led by Ross Hardison has made significant discoveries about the mechanisms of gene regulation in red blood cells. They found that transcription factor GATA-1 controls the expression of over 2,600 genes by binding to specific sites on DNA.
Red blood cells can deform into an asymmetrical slipper shape when flowing through arteries, a phenomenon that affects blood flow. Simulations suggest this deformation helps the cells catch up with fluid, leading to more efficient blood flow.
A recent study published in Critical Care found that severe trauma patients who receive old red blood cells are twice as likely to die. The study, which analyzed data from 202 patients, suggests that using fresher red blood cells may reduce mortality rates and complications.
Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered a significant link between pre-eclampsia and dietary ergothioneine, a known antioxidant. The study found elevated levels of this compound in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, suggesting its potential role in understanding the condition's cause.
Researchers have successfully modified a human embryonic stem cell line to glow red when it becomes a red blood cell, representing a significant step towards generating mature red blood cells from human stem cells. This breakthrough could aid in tracking the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into specific cell types.
Researchers found that DHPEA-EDA protects red blood cells from damage, providing greatest protection against heart attack and stroke. The study suggests virgin olive oils contain higher levels of this compound, which could lead to the production of functional oils designed to reduce heart disease risk.
Researchers have discovered a new way the malaria parasite interacts with human red blood cells, identifying the EBL-1 molecule as the attachment site. This finding could lead to the development of a vaccine cocktail to combat malaria.
Studies found that dialysis patients living at higher altitudes had a lower rate of death, with increased hemoglobin concentrations and lower doses of erythropoietin. Increased iron availability caused by hypoxia-induced factors may explain this finding.
A study found that preventing anemia in kidney disease patients is crucial for their physical and mental health. The researchers recommend that treatment should be initiated at lower hemoglobin levels to improve quality of life, contrary to current FDA statements.
Patients who received transfusions with blood stored for 29 days or more were twice as likely to suffer from nosocomial infections. The oldest blood was associated with the most infections, highlighting the need for stricter regulation of blood storage.
A study has identified a specific region of the PfEMP1 protein as crucial for attaching to placental walls, which could lead to new drug targets to prevent malaria-related complications during pregnancy. Researchers hope that mimicking this binding domain with pharmaceuticals may help develop immunity in women living in endemic regions.
Researchers discovered eight genes encoding proteins required for the malaria parasite to hijack and remodel human red blood cells. The proteins play a major role in the development of malaria, which kills millions of people annually. Understanding these proteins may lead to new therapeutic approaches, including drugs or live vaccines.
Researchers found that stem cells differentiate through the collective behavior of multiple genes in a network, leading to just a few endpoints. The findings also suggest that cell populations maintain built-in variability that nature can harness for change under the right conditions.
Researchers at UC Davis use individual red blood cells as accurate force transducers to calibrate atomic force microscopes. This technique allows for precise measurement of forces between molecules and cells, advancing our understanding of cell biology.
Researchers found that mice can sense oxygen levels in the environment and stimulate kidney production of erythropoietin when oxygen concentrations drop. The study suggests that the skin plays a major role in sensing oxygen and could lead to new treatments for anemia and diseases affecting red blood cell counts.
Biologists at UC San Diego have found that mouse skin responds to low oxygen levels by regulating EPO production, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell creation. This discovery could revolutionize treatment for anemia and improve endurance athlete performance.
Two studies published in Blood journal provide insights into the regulation of red blood cell production, linking it to the Hls5 gene and thyroid hormone. This knowledge may lead to new treatments for anaemias that don't respond to current hormone therapy.
Researchers found that human red blood cells use the protein Glut1 to transport DHA, allowing efficient antioxidant production, while other mammals lack this trait. The discovery sheds light on how humans adapt to an 'inborn' metabolic error.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have modeled the complete process of nucleus ejection in mature red blood cells, revealing key proteins involved. The discovery sheds light on an essential step in mammalian evolution and may lead to insights into genetic disorders.
Gas6 protein has proven successful in treating mice with anemia without causing side effects, while reinforcing EPO's effect. This could form the basis for a new treatment for patients where EPO is ineffective.
Researchers discovered a genetic variant in the BCL11A gene associated with higher levels of fetal hemoglobin and milder beta-thalassemia symptoms. This finding has implications for developing targeted therapies to alleviate hemoglobin deficiencies in people with beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
Researchers discovered that Gas6 protein increases cell signaling in response to Epo treatment, enhancing its therapeutic potential for treating anemia. The study also found that mice deficient in Gas6 have decreased sensitivity to Epo and reduced ability to recover from anemia.
Researchers discover that lenalidomide and pomalidomide can increase fetal hemoglobin production in people with sickle-cell disease, potentially providing a new therapy. These findings also suggest the possibility of using these drugs to treat other beta-hemoglobinopathies.
A new study by University of Bristol scientists found that red blood cell transfusions may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in cardiac surgery patients, regardless of haemoglobin levels or age. The research suggests a three-fold increase in complications arising from lack of oxygen to key organs.
A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that garlic compounds can liberate hydrogen sulfide in red blood cells, leading to vessel relaxation. This effect is believed to be behind the protective effects of garlic on cardiovascular health.
Scientists at MIT have identified a critical blood protein called HRI that plays a pivotal role in the body's iron recycling process. This discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for conditions like beta-thalassemia and erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Millions of patients receive transfusions with impaired blood, which can lead to heart attacks and death. Researchers found that adding nitric oxide back to stored blood restores its ability to deliver oxygen.
Researchers found that hair follicles on the head have the potential to become erythropoietin factories, potentially treating EPO-related anemia. This discovery opens doors to a new approach for treating severe anemia associated with kidney failure and chemotherapy.
Researchers identified GDF15 protein as a key player in iron overload in thalassemia, leading to increased dietary iron absorption and organ damage. The study's findings have implications for therapies and treatment strategies for thalassemia patients.
Scientists have identified a key mechanism in the malaria parasite that allows it to adapt to infected individuals by switching on and off protein expression. The study reveals that 7 genes can be silenced without compromising the parasite's ability to enter red blood cells.
Researchers developed a new vaccine strategy that uses a protein-free M. Tuberculosis strain to activate immune cells, providing increased protection against TB. A study found that vaccination with this strain provided better protection than the existing BCG vaccine.
Scientists identify unique surveillance system that detects and eliminates defective messenger RNAs from red blood cells. This breakthrough understanding could lead to new treatments for thalassemia and other genetic disorders affecting the production of hemoglobin proteins.
Researchers have discovered that attaching polymeric nanoparticles to red blood cells increases their in vivo lifetime. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for cancer, blood clots, and heart disease by providing sustained release of drugs.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a method to extend nanoparticles' in vivo lifetime by attaching them to red blood cells, potentially revolutionizing drug delivery. The attachment allows particles to evade phagocytosis and remain in circulation for up to 120 days.