Zinc improved erythrocyte deformability and aggregation in patients with beta-thalassemia: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Thalassemia patients have reduced red cell deformability and decreased plasma zinc levels in their blood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) on the hemorheological parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in ß-thalassemia major (TM) and healthy volunteers (HV). METHODS: Hemorheological parameters were measured using LORCA (laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer) after adjusting the hematocrit to 40%. Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4.7H2O) was used for Zn incubation with a concentration of 0.5µg/dl. Oxidative stress and antioxidant status were determined using commercial kits. RESULTS: Data showed that after Zn incubation, EImax, the area under the EI-osmolarity curve (Area), and Omax decreased in TM. However, no significant difference was observed in the osmotic deformability parameters of HV. The increased elongation index was obtained at different shear stresses for TM and HV, and SS1/2 decreased in both groups. The AMP and aggregation index (AI) decreased in TM, and the required time for half of the maximum aggregation (t1/2) increased in HV. However, Zn did not affect oxidative parameters in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that Zn incubation increased deformability and decreased aggregation in thalassemic erythrocytes. It means that Zn supplementation will contribute to microcirculation in thalassemia patients.

Erythrocyte aggregation in sudden flow arrest is linked to hyperthermia, hypoxemia, and band 3 availability.

BACKGROUND: Erythrocyte aggregation is a phenomenon that is commonly found in several pathological disease states: stroke, myocardial infarction, thermal burn injury, and COVID-19. Erythrocyte aggregation is characterized by rouleaux, closely packed stacks of cells, forming three-dimensional structures. Healthy blood flow monodisperses the red blood cells (RBCs) throughout the vasculature; however, in select pathological conditions, involving hyperthermia and hypoxemia, rouleaux formation remains and results in occlusion of microvessels with decreased perfusion. OBJECTIVES: Our objective is to address the kinetics of rouleaux formation with sudden cessation of flow in variable temperature and oxygen conditions. METHODS: RBCs used in this in vitro system were obtained from healthy human donors. Using a vertical stop-flow system aligned with a microscope, images were acquired and analyzed for increased variation in grayscale to indicate increased aggregation. The onset of aggregation after sudden cessation of flow was determined at proscribed temperatures (37-49°C) and oxygen (0%, 10%), and in the presence and absence of 4, 4'-Diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid (DIDS). Both autologous and homologous plasma were tested. RESULTS: RBCs in autologous plasma aggregate faster and with a higher magnitude with both hyperthermia and hypoxemia. Preventing deoxyhemoglobin from binding to band 3 with DIDS (dissociates the cytoskeleton from the membrane) fully blocks aggregation. Further, RBC aggregation magnitude is greater in autologous plasma. CONCLUSIONS: We show that the C-terminal domain of band 3 plays a pivotal role in RBC aggregation. Further, aggregation is enhanced by hyperthermia and hypoxemia.

Can erythrocytes behavior in microcirculation help the understanding the physiopathology and improve prevention and treatment for covid-19?

Low plasma estrogens, vitamin D deficiency, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, thromboembolism, and impaired microcirculation are linked to the severity of covid-19. Studies have suggested that these comorbidities also are related to erythrocyte factors linked to increased blood viscosity in microcirculation such as erythrocyte aggregation and erythrocyte deformability. Increased blood viscosity in microcirculation can lead to a decrease in oxygenation and nutrition of tissues. Therefore erythrocyte aggregation and erythrocyte deformability may be involved in covid-19 severity, leading to tissue hypoxia and a decrease of drug concentration in affected organs. If this relationship is demonstrated, erythrocytes factors can be used to monitor treatments for improve microcirculatory fluidity that may decrease covid-19 severity. Lifestyle improvement and treatments such as vitamin D and estrogens supplementation are some possible approaches to improve microcirculation and covid-19 prevention and treatment.

Erythrocyte deformability and aggregation in morbidly obese women undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery and effects of oral omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.

BACKGROUND: An adequate erythrocyte function is vital for tissue oxygenation and wound healing. The erythrocyte membrane phospholipid composition plays an important role in erythrocyte function and administration of omega-3 fatty acids may provide a means to improve it. OBJECTIVE: To investigate peri-operative erythrocyte function and effects of oral omega-3 fatty acids in morbidly obese women undergoing gastric bypass surgeryMETHODS:Fifty-six morbidly obese women undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery were randomized between a low calorie diet (LCD) during 2 weeks or oral omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and a normal diet during 4 weeks. Peri-operative blood samples were analyzed with the Lorrca MaxSIS Ektacytometer for erythrocyte deformability and aggregability. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in erythrocyte function between the groups at any time point. Only erythrocyte aggregability parameters were affected by surgery. At six month follow-up, aggregation index (AI) and cholesterol, glucose and insulin were significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, oral Omega-3 supplementation did not affect erythrocyte function compared to a LCD. Six months after surgery a significant improvement in AI and metabolic parameters was observed in both groups, contributing to a reduction in the risk at thromboembolic and cardiovascular complications.

Erythrocyte deformability and aggregability in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery and effects of two infusions with omega-3 fatty acids.

BACKGROUND: An adequate erythrocyte function is vital for tissue oxygenation and wound healing. The erythrocyte membrane phospholipid composition plays an important role in erythrocyte function and administration of omega-3 fatty acids may provide a means to improve it. OBJECTIVE: To investigate peri-operative erythrocyte function and effects of omega-3 fatty acidsMETHODS:Forty-four patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colon resection for non-metastasized cancer were randomized between intravenous omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) or placebo (saline). Peri-operative blood samples were analyzed with a Lorrca MaxSIS Ektacytometer and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids were determined with gas chromatography. RESULTS: Patient and operation characteristics were equal between groups. There was a significant increase in erythrocyte membrane eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but not docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the n-PUFA group. There were no significant differences in erythrocyte deformability but the aggregation index (AI) was significantly lower and the aggregation half time (T½) was significantly higher in the n-3 PUFA group. CONCLUSION: This study confirms rapid changes in erythrocyte membrane phospholipid composition after administration of intravenous n-3 PUFAs. Erythrocyte deformability parameters were not affected but erythrocyte aggregability was decreased in the n-3 PUFA group. Further investigation is necessary to gain more insights in the effects of n-3 PUFA and the postoperative inflammatory response on erythrocyte function.

Comparative In Vitro Study: Examining 635 nm Laser and 265 nm Ultraviolet Interaction with Blood.

Objective: This study represents a viable assessment of the effect of the low-level laser (LLL) of 635 nm and ultraviolet (UV) of 265 nm on biophysical properties of blood. Materials and methods: Blood samples were divided into two main groups: one for irradiation by LLL and the other for irradiation by UV. Each group was divided into three aliquots. First aliquot: whole blood was exposed to radiation. The second aliquot: erythrocytes were exposed to radiation and resuspended in autologous plasma. The third aliquot: plasma was exposed to radiation, and erythrocytes were resuspended in it. The following parameters were measured after irradiation by LLL and UV for all aliquots: whole blood viscosity, microscopic aggregation index, deformation index, and Zeta potential. Results: A decrease in whole blood viscosity due to irradiation by LLL was observed. To the contrary, an increase in whole blood viscosity due to irradiation by UV was detected. A significant reduction in erythrocytes' aggregation was observed as a result of LLL and UV radiation. Erythrocytes' deformability was strongly affected by UV radiation, while there was no significant effect from LLL. Another noticeable change observed was an increase in Zeta potential due to UV and a decrease in Zeta potential values, as a result of LLL irradiation. Conclusions: It can be concluded from this study that LLL and UV can be used to change some biological processes, as well as cellular properties.

Effects of Ankaferd Hemostat on red blood cell aggregation: a hemorheological study

Background/aim: Ankaferd hemostat (ABS; Ankaferd blood stopper, Istanbul, Turkey) is a prohemostatic agent affecting erythrocytes. The hemostatic action of ABS depends upon fibrinogen gamma chain, prothrombin, and red blood cells. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of ABS on erythrocyte aggregation via hemorheological analyses. Materials and methods: To measure erythrocyte aggregation, blood samples were obtained from healthy, nonsmoker volunteers who had not taken any medication in the previous 10 days. One mL of blood was placed into the laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer (LORCA), into the chamber formed by the gap between two concentric glass cylinders. The solution prepared with ABS and saline was added to blood in incremental amounts of 10 µL, 20 µL, 30 µL, 40 µL, 50 µL, 60 µL, 70 µL, and 100 µL. Erythrocyte aggregation was determined by laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer at 37 °C Results: AMPwas found to be 17.7 ± 2.1 au in the blood without ABS, whereas it was lower in the blood with ABS. AMP was 16.0 ± 3.3 in the ABS-added blood group. RBC aggregates did not form faster when cells contacted ABS. The t t½ value was 4.6 ± 2.6 in the ABS-added blood group and 1.9 ± 0.20 in the control group. Aggregation was faster in the control group (P = 0.03). AI, which is a combination of AMP and t½, was lowered in the ABS group (48.7 ± 12.3) compared to the control group (65.8 ± 1.6) (P = 0.02). It was notable that the γIsc max (sec-1) value of the control was higher (200 ± 106) than the ABS-added blood group (141 ± 51.0). Conclusion: ABS has antierythroid aggregation effect. ABS inhibits pathological aggregation of red blood cells. Antithrombotic clinical effects of ABS may be ascribed to the antierythroid aggregan actions of the drug.

Acute L-Arginine supplementation does not affect red blood cell aggregation and deformability during high intensity interval exercise in healthy men.

BACKGROUND: L-Arginine, the precursor of NO might be involved in improving the cardiovascular disorders via regulation of functional properties of erythrocytes. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of L-Arginine supplementation on responses of red blood cell (RBC) properties to high intensity interval exercise (HIIE). METHODS: Ten overweight healthy men participated voluntarily in the study and performed two HIIE trials with and without L-Arginine in two separate weeks. The HIIE protocol included 12 intervals of 3-min encompassed 1-min running at 100% of vVO2max and 2-min active recovery at 40% of vVO2max. Three blood samples were taken before and after supplementation, and immediately after exercise; and were used to measure red blood cell properties. RESULTS: The HIIE protocol increased hematocrit, hemoglobin and lactate significantly (P < 0.05), but had no significant effect on RBC aggregation, RBC deformability, and fibrinogen concentration. When data were compared for two trials no significant differences between the responses of RBC properties to two HIIE protocols were detected (P > 0.05), whereas the increases in lactate concentration following HIIE was significantly lower in L-Arginine than placebo trial (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that L-Arginine consumption prior to HIIE does not lead to any improvement in RBC properties during HIIE in overweight healthy men.

Investigation of the effects of major ozone autohemotherapy application on erythrocyte deformability and aggregation.

BACKGROUND: Ozone is used intensively worldwide in treatment and research of various pathologies due to its healing effects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of major ozone autohemotherapy on erythrocyte deformability and aggregation. METHODS: 10 and 50µg/ml doses of ozone was applied for 20 minute to venous blood samples obtained from 10 healthy male volunteers. Erythrocyte aggregation, deformability were measured by an ektacytometer. Total oxidant status, total antioxidant status were measured via a commercial kit. The oxidative stress index was calculated. RESULTS: Ozone at 10 and 50µg/ml doses did not alter erythrocyte aggregation. 50µg/ml ozone increased red blood cell (RBC) deformability measured at 0.53 Pa. Compared with the Control value, there was a significant increase in TOS, TAS for the doses of 10 and 50µg/ml. The increase in TAS was found to be more significant at 10µg/ml dose. The most obvious increase in OSI value was observed at 50µg/ml. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that although 10µg/ml ozone has no effect on hemorheology, 50µg/ml ozone concentration has positive effects on RBC deformability, thus circulation at 0.53 Pa corresponding to the shear stress encountered during venous circulation.

Effects of Histidine-rich glycoprotein on erythrocyte aggregation and hemolysis: Implications for a role under septic conditions.

The apoptotic process of erythrocytes is known as eryptosis, and is characterized by phosphatidylserine (PS) expression on the outer membrane. PS-positive erythrocytes are increased in sepsis, and PS is believed to facilitate coagulation of erythrocytes and activate macrophages. However, the relationship between eryptosis and abnormal coagulation in sepsis is still not fully understood. Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) inhibits immunothrombus formation by regulating neutrophils and vascular endothelial cells. In the present study, we subjected isolated erythrocytes to Zn2+ stimulation, which activated their aggregation and PS expression. We then determined the Zn2+ contents in septic lung and kidney tissues, and found that they were elevated, suggesting that eryptosis was enhanced in these tissues. Erythrocyte adhesion to endothelial cells was also significantly increased after Zn2+ stimulation, and this effect was inhibited by HRG. Finally, we examined HRG treatment in septic model mice, and found that HRG decreased hemolysis, possibly due to its ability to bind heme. Our study demonstrated a novel Zn2+-initiated aggregation/thrombus formation pathway. We also showed the regulatory role of HRG in this pathway, together with the ability of HRG to inhibit hemolysis under septic conditions. HRG supplementation might be a novel therapeutic strategy for inflammatory disorders, especially sepsis.

Ferric Citrate Supplementation Reduces Red-Blood-Cell Aggregation and Improves CD163+ Macrophage-Mediated Hemoglobin Metabolism in a Rat Model of High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity.

SCOPE: In adults, >90% of the daily iron requirement is derived from macrophage-mediated heme iron, recycling from senescent red blood cells (RBCs) or free hemoglobin (Hb). Currently, the effects of pharmacological doses of iron supplementation on RBCs and heme iron recycling in obesity are unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sprague Dawley rats are fed a standard diet or a 50% high-fat diet (HFD) with (0.25, 1, and 2 g of ferric iron per kg diet) or without ferric citrate supplementation for 12 weeks. Ferric iron increases hepatic iron accumulation in macrophages and hepatocyte-like cells. Compared with rats that received the standard diet, HFD-fed rats exhibit higher RBC aggregation and serum-free Hb levels but lower LVV-hemorphin-7 levels. These effects are reversed by ferric citrate supplementation. Immunofluorescent staining reveals that ferric iron increases the expression of hepatic CD163+ macrophages and heme oxygenase (HO)-1. A further analysis reveals the dose-related effects of ferric iron on hepatic globin degradation proteins (cathepsin D and glyoxalase 1), cytochrome p450 reductase expression, and HO-1 enzyme activity. CONCLUSIONS: Ferric citrate supplementation reduces RBC aggregation and improves CD163+ macrophage-mediated Hb metabolism in HFD-induced obese rats. These findings suggest that ferric citrate may be explored as an alternative treatment method for RBC dysfunction.

Hemorheological effects of secoisolariciresinol in ovariectomized rats.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal women often develop hemorheological disorders which may affect the systemic blood circulation and present a cardiovascular risk factor. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated effects of secoisolariciresinol (SECO), a phytoestrogen, on hemorheological parameters and lipid peroxidation in a model of the age-related and/or surgical menopause induced by ovariectomy in rats. METHODS: Arterial blood was sampled from sham-operated female rats, ovariectomized rats (OVX), and OVX treated with SECO (OVXSECO) (20 mg/kg/day intragastrically for two weeks). Plasma estrogen concentration and the following hemorheological parameters were measured: RBC aggregation (half-time of aggregation, T1/2; amplitude of aggregation, AMP; aggregation index, AI), RBC deformability (elongation index, EI), whole blood viscosity at the shear rate of 3-300 s-1, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, plasma fibrinogen. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by measuring conjugated dienes (CD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma. RESULTS: Ovariectomy in rats caused a 60% decrease in plasma estrogen level and triggered the development of macro- and microhemorheological abnormalities. Blood viscosity increased by 12-31%, RBC elongation index reduced by 16-28%, and T1/2 and AI increased by 35% and 29% respectively. The increase in blood viscosity correlated predominantly with reduced RBC deformability. Plasma CD and TBARS were elevated by 47% and 104% respectively. SECO therapy for OVX rats reduced blood viscosity by 9-18% and T1/2 by 32%, and increased EI by 4-17%. SECO therapy disrupted the correlation between blood viscosity and RBC deformability. Lipid peroxidation was significantly inhibited, as shown by the reduction in CD and TBARS plasma concentrations by 89% and 70% respectively. SECO did not affect plasma viscosity, estrogen or fibrinogen levels. CONCLUSIONS: SECO treatment for OVX rats improves blood macro- and microrheological parameters, possibly through antioxidant protection of RBC.

Brattleboro Rats as the Model of Blood Hyperviscosity Syndrome for Testing Substances with Hemorheological Activity.

Hyperviscosity syndrome was described in Brattleboro rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of Brattleboro rats using, as a test system for the study of agents with hemorheological activity. Under conditions of this model of high blood viscosity syndrome in Brattleboro rats, Lychnis chalcedonica L. extract (150 mg/kg) administered intragastrically for 10 days exhibited hemorheological activity by modulating macro- (plasma viscosity, fibrinogen concentration) and microrheological (erythrocyte aggregation and deformability parameters. Hence, Brattleboro rats are an adequate model of hyperviscosity syndrome that can be used for search and testing of substances with hemorheological activity.

Derivation of Cinnamon Blocks Leukocyte Attachment by Interacting with Sialosides.

Molecules derived from cinnamon have demonstrated diverse pharmacological activities against infectious pathogens, diabetes and inflammatory diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the cinnamon-derived molecule IND02 on the adhesion of leukocytes to host cells. The anti-inflammatory ability of IND02, a pentameric procyanidin type A polyphenol polymer isolated from cinnamon alcohol extract, was examined. Pretreatment with IND02 significantly reduced the attachment of THP-1 cells or neutrophils to TNF-α-activated HUVECs or E-selectin/ICAM-1, respectively. IND02 also reduced the binding of E-, L- and P-selectins with sialosides. Furthermore, IND02 could agglutinate human red blood cells (RBC), and the agglutination could be disrupted by sialylated glycoprotein. Our findings demonstrate that IND02, a cinnamon-derived compound, can interact with sialosides and block the binding of selectins and leukocytes with sialic acids.

Rapid rather than gradual weight reduction impairs hemorheological parameters of Taekwondo athletes through reduction in RBC-NOS activation.

PURPOSE: Rapid weight reduction is part of the pre-competition routine and has been shown to negatively affect psychological and physiological performance of Taekwondo (TKD) athletes. This is caused by a reduction of the body water and an electrolyte imbalance. So far, it is unknown whether weight reduction also affects hemorheological properties and hemorheology-influencing nitric oxide (NO) signaling, important for oxygen supply to the muscles and organs. METHODS: For this purpose, ten male TKD athletes reduced their body weight by 5% within four days (rapid weight reduction, RWR). After a recovery phase, athletes reduced body weight by 5% within four weeks (gradual weight reduction, GWR). Each intervention was preceded by two baseline measurements and followed by a simulated competition. Basal blood parameters (red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean cellular hemoglobin and mean cellular hemoglobin concentration), RBC-NO synthase activation, RBC nitrite as marker for NO synthesis, RBC deformability and aggregation parameters were determined on a total of eight investigation days. RESULTS: Basal blood parameters were not affected by the two interventions. In contrast to GWR, RWR decreased activation of RBC-NO synthase, RBC nitrite, respective NO concentration and RBC deformability. Additionally, RWR increased RBC aggregation and disaggregation threshold. CONCLUSION: The results point out that a rapid weight reduction negatively affects hemorheological parameters and NO signaling in RBC which might limit performance capacity. Thus, GWR should be preferred to achieve the desired weight prior to a competition to avoid these negative effects.

[THE ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE AND BLOOD RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES IN THE MAINTENANCE OF A TEMPERATURE HOMEOSTASIS IN THE BRAIN TISSUE].

The problem of temperature regulation in the brain tissue in conditions of whole body hyperthermia was investigated in experiments on white rats. The received results revealed that the brain is provided with a highly efficient system for temperature autoregulation against the changes in environmental temperature. According to our data the upper limit of this autoregulation (for rats, at least) is about the 450C of environmental temperature. The important role in functioning of this autoregulatory system belongs to Nitric Oxide. It is revealed also that the increase in the index of red cells aggregability may significantly hinder (among other things) maintaining of the temperature homeostasis in the brain.

[Comparative analysis of the promoting blood effects of the combination of different proportions of danggui and honghua by the principal component analysis and multi-attribute comprehensive index methods].

The combination of Danggui and Honghua (GH) is a popular herb pair commonly used in clinic for the treatment of blood stasis syndrome in China. To evaluate the activating blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis effects of the combination of different proportions of Danggui and Honghua on acute blood stasis rats, and optimize the proportion of GH to have the best activating blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis effect. Acute blood stasis rat model was induced by subcutaneous injection of adrenaline and ice water bath. The blood stasis rats were administrated intragastrically with GH (1 : 0, 4 : 1, 2 : 1, 3 : 2, 1 : 1, 2 : 3, 1: 2, 1 : 4 and 0 : 1) extracts. The whole blood viscosity (WBV), plasma viscosity (PV), and high shear whole blood relative index (HSWBRI), low shear whole blood relative index (LSWBRI), and erythrocyte aggregation index (EAI) were tested to observe the effects of GH on hemorheology of blood stasis rats. And the maximum aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was tested to observe the effect of GH on platelet aggregation index of blood stasis rats. In addition, the prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and plasma fibrinogen (FIB) were tested to observe the effects of GH on blood coagulation function of blood stasis rats. Then principal component analysis and multi-attribute comprehensive index methods were both used to comprehensively evaluate the total activating blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis effects of GH. The results showed that the hemorheological indexes and coagulation parameters of model group both had significant differences with normal group. Compared with model group, GH (1 : 0, 4 : 1, 2: 1, 3 : 2, 1 : 1, 2 : 3, 1 : 2, 1 : 4 and 0 : 1) could improve all the blood hemorheology indexes and regulate part indexes of blood coagulation function and platelet aggregation in acute blood stasis rats. Based on principal component analysis and multi-attribute comprehensive index methods, GH 1 : 1 and GH 3 : 2 both had the best effect of blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis, and the effect of GH 1 : 1 was slightly better than GH 3 : 2. These results suggest that GH could obviously ameliorate the abnormality of hemorheology and blood coagulation function in acute blood stasis rats. The optimized proportion of GH was consistent with regulations of medicine usage that GH 1 : 1 had the highest frequency used in traditional Chinese formulae. It could provide scientific basis for more effective application of the compatibility between Danggui and Honghua in modern clinic medicine.

Core bioactive components promoting blood circulation in the traditional Chinese medicine compound xueshuantong capsule (CXC) based on the relevance analysis between chemical HPLC fingerprint and in vivo biological effects.

Compound xueshuantong capsule (CXC) is an oral traditional Chinese herbal formula (CHF) comprised of Panax notoginseng (PN), Radix astragali (RA), Salvia miltiorrhizae (SM), and Radix scrophulariaceae (RS). The present investigation was designed to explore the core bioactive components promoting blood circulation in CXC using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and animal studies. CXC samples were prepared with different proportions of the 4 herbs according to a four-factor, nine-level uniform design. CXC samples were assessed with HPLC, which identified 21 components. For the animal experiments, rats were soaked in ice water during the time interval between two adrenaline hydrochloride injections to reduce blood circulation. We assessed whole-blood viscosity (WBV), erythrocyte aggregation and red corpuscle electrophoresis indices (EAI and RCEI, respectively), plasma viscosity (PV), maximum platelet aggregation rate (MPAR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and prothrombin time (PT). Based on the hypothesis that CXC sample effects varied with differences in components, we performed grey relational analysis (GRA), principal component analysis (PCA), ridge regression (RR), and radial basis function (RBF) to evaluate the contribution of each identified component. Our results indicate that panaxytriol, ginsenoside Rb1, angoroside C, protocatechualdehyde, ginsenoside Rd, and calycosin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside are the core bioactive components, and that they might play different roles in the alleviation of circulation dysfunction. Panaxytriol and ginsenoside Rb1 had close relevance to red blood cell (RBC) aggregation, angoroside C was related to platelet aggregation, protocatechualdehyde was involved in intrinsic clotting activity, ginsenoside Rd affected RBC deformability and plasma proteins, and calycosin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside influenced extrinsic clotting activity. This study indicates that angoroside C, calycosin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside, panaxytriol, and protocatechualdehyde may have novel therapeutic uses.

Effects of nickel chloride on the erythrocytes and erythrocyte immune adherence function in broilers.

This study was conducted to investigate the immune adherence function of erythrocytes and erythrocyte induced by dietary nickel chloride (NiCl2) in broilers fed on a control diet and three experimental diets supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg NiCl2 for 42 days. Blood samples were collected from five broilers in each group at 14, 28, and 42 days of age. Changes of erythrocyte parameters showed that total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb) contents, and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly lower (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) was higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the 600 and 900 mg/kg groups at 28 and 42 days of age than those in the control group, and the sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase) and calcium adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+)-ATPase) activities were significantly decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the NiCl2-treated groups. The results of erythrocyte immune adherence function indicated that erythrocyte C3b receptor rosette rate (E-C3bRR) was significantly decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the 600 and 900 mg/kg groups and in the 300 mg/kg group at 42 days of age, whereas the erythrocyte immune complex rosette rate (E-ICRR) was markedly increased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg groups at 28 and 42 days of age. It was concluded that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg caused anemia and impaired the erythrocytic integrity, erythrocytic ability to transport oxygen, and erythrocyte immune adherence function in broilers. Impairment of the erythrocytes and erythrocyte immune adherence function was one of main effect mechanisms of NiCl2 on the blood function.

Impaired red blood cell deformability after transfusion of stored allogeneic blood but not autologous salvaged blood in cardiac surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Both cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and red blood cell (RBC) storage are associated with detrimental changes in RBC structure and function that may adversely affect tissue oxygen delivery. We tested the hypothesis that in cardiac surgery patients, RBC deformability and aggregation are minimally affected by CPB with autologous salvaged blood alone but are negatively affected by the addition of stored allogeneic blood. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 32 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB were divided into 3 groups by transfusion status: autologous salvaged RBCs alone (Auto; n = 12), autologous salvaged RBCs + minimal (<5 units) stored allogeneic RBCs (Auto+Allo min; n = 10), and autologous salvaged RBCs + moderate (≥5 units) stored allogeneic RBCs (Auto+Allo mod; n = 10). Ektacytometry was used to measure RBC elongation index (deformability) and critical shear stress (aggregation) before, during, and for 3 days after surgery. RESULTS: In the Auto group, RBC elongation index did not change significantly from the preoperative baseline. In the Auto+Allo min group, mean elongation index decreased from 32.31 ± 0.02 (baseline) to 30.47 ± 0.02 (nadir on postoperative day 1) (P = 0.003, representing a 6% change). In the Auto+Allo mod group, mean elongation index decreased from 32.7 ± 0.02 (baseline) to 28.14 ± 0.01 (nadir on postoperative day 1) (P = 0.0001, representing a 14% change). Deformability then dose-dependently recovered toward baseline over the first 3 postoperative days. Changes in aggregation were unrelated to transfusion (no difference among groups). For the 3 groups combined, mean critical shear stress decreased from 359 ± 174 mPa to 170 ± 141 mPa (P = 0.01, representing a 54% change), with the nadir at the end of surgery and returned to baseline by postoperative day 1. CONCLUSIONS: In cardiac surgery patients, transfusion with stored allogeneic RBCs, but not autologous salvaged RBCs, is associated with a decrease in RBC cell membrane deformability that is dose-dependent and may persist beyond 3 postoperative days. These findings suggest that autologous salvaged RBCs may be of higher quality than stored RBCs, since the latter are subject to the so-called storage lesions.