Researchers from the National University of Singapore have discovered the way red blood cell molecules interact with white blood cell molecules called macrophages to reduce inflammation and the formation of fatty deposits on the walls of the body. arteries.
They said their findings offer a potential treatment for this common condition, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Red blood cells
The main way to deliver oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body is the red blood cells.
Red blood cells naturally produce molecules called RBCEV extracellular vesicles during cell aging, disease states, and in response to environmental stressors.
RBCEV vesicles protect RBCs by removing dangerous molecules, affecting immune cells, and participating in the inflammatory process.
(expressive from iStock)
Arteriosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the walls of the arteries arteriesa common condition that can lead to a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, or blood clot.
Macrophages, the white blood cells that are the “first responders” of the immune system, play a central role in atherosclerosis by eating, accumulating and converting lipids into foam cells that contribute to and maintain the growth of atherosclerotic plaques.
Ingestion of dying macrophages
The new study examined the interaction between RBCEV vesicles and white blood cells in hopes of discovering a way to stop atherosclerosis. It is indicated by PS, on cell membranes.
(expressive from iStock)
Because RBCEV vesicles have an abundance of PS on their membrane, the researchers blocked PS receptors on macrophages, which greatly reduced uptake.
Protecting cells from oxidation
After uptake of RBCEV vesicles, macrophages reduced levels of pro-inflammatory proteins and produced higher levels of an enzyme that protects cells from oxidative damage often seen in inflammatory cardiovascular diseases. Even more importantly, RBCEVs rendered macrophages resistant to becoming foam cells.
According to the journal Extracellular Vesicles, the researchers emphasized that further studies on the effects of RBCEV vesicles using animal models of atherosclerosis are likely to advance the development of this therapeutic platform.
2023-08-14 16:03:00
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