Red Blood Cell Adhesion to Heme-Activated Endothelial Cells Reflects Clinical Phenotype in Sickle Cell Disease.

ABSTRACT: In sickle cell disease (SCD), 'disease severity' associates with increased RBC adhesion to quiescent endothelium, but the impact on activated endothelium is not known. Increased concentrations of free heme result from intravascular hemolysis in SCD. Heme is essential for aerobic metabolism, and plays an important role in numerous biological processes. Excess free heme induces reactive oxygen species generation and endothelial activation, which are associated with cardiovascular disorders including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and thrombosis. Here, we utilized an endothelialized microfluidic platform (Endothelium-on-a-chip) to assess adhesion of sickle hemoglobin-containing red blood cells (HbS RBCs), from adults with homozygous SCD, to heme-activated human endothelial cells (EC) in vitro

SUBMITTER: Kucukal E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6295270 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature