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Delgadinho M, Veiga L, Ginete C, Santos B, Miranda A, de Vasconcelos JN, Brito M. Differential expression of adhesion molecules in sickle cell anemia and gut microbiome effect. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:409-419. [PMID: 38153527 PMCID: PMC10799142 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05589-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) causes a long-standing vascular inflammation state, leading to endothelial dysfunction and chronic overexpression of several adhesion molecules, which contributes to acute and constant vaso-occlusive (VOC) episodes. It has been demonstrated that hydroxyurea (HU) can reduce VOC events, organ damage, blood transfusions, and even the adhesion properties to endothelial cells of SCA subjects. Due to VOC episodes, these patients are also more susceptible to recurrent bacterial translocation and dysbiosis. Given this, our study aimed to uncover the interplay between adhesion molecules, gut microbiome, and hydroxyurea in a population of Angolan SCA children. Serum and fecal samples were obtained before and after HU treatment in 35 children. After HU, four of these adhesion molecules were significantly reduced: sE-selectin (p = 0.002), ADAMTS13 (p = 0.023), sICAM-1 (p = 0.003), and sVCAM-1 (p = 0.018). A positive correlation was observed between the number of neutrophils and sICAM-1, platelets, and sP-selectin, and also between leukocytes, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1. Most taxa showing a significant correlation mainly belonged to the Clostridiales order. Specifically, from the Clostridium genera, the groups g19, g21, and g34 were all negatively correlated with HbF levels; g19, g21, and g24 positively correlated with leukocytes; g19 positively with neutrophils and sVCAM-1; and g34 positively with E- and P-selectin. Serratia, an opportunistic pathogen, was positively correlated with sE-selectin and sICAM-1 levels. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between sP-selectin and Bifidobacterium. Research studies in this area could improve our understanding and contribute to finding new prognostic biomarkers to guarantee precise SCA patient stratification and predict severe complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Delgadinho
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luísa Veiga
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Ginete
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Brígida Santos
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA), Caxito, Bengo, Angola
- Hospital Pediátrico David Bernardino (HPDB), Luanda, Angola
| | - Armandina Miranda
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Miguel Brito
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA), Caxito, Bengo, Angola.
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Rosa Teixeira-Alves L, Guimarães-Nobre CC, Mendonça-Reis E, Miranda-Alves L, Berto-Junior C. Bosentan attenuates sickle cell disease erythrocyte HbS polymerization and impaired deformability induced by endothelin-1. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2023; 101:642-651. [PMID: 36821840 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2022-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on erythrocytes from sickle cell disease (SCD) patients have been described, but mechanisms of ET-1 regarding primary erythrocyte functions remain unknown. ET-1 is a vasoconstrictor peptide produced by endothelial cells, and the expression of ET-1 is increased in SCD. The present study used ex vivo experiments with sickle cell erythrocytes, ET-1, and bosentan, a dual antagonist of ETA and ETB receptors. We performed a hemoglobin S (HbS) polymerization assay with three concentrations of ET-1 (1, 20, and 50 pg/mL) and bosentan (100 nmol/L). ET-1 increased HbS polymerization at all concentrations, and this effect was suppressed by bosentan. For the deformability assay, red blood cells (RBCs) were incubated on a Sephacryl column with the same concentrations of ET-1 and bosentan. ET-1 decreased deformability, and this effect was reversed by bosentan. To observe erythrocyte adhesion, ET-1 and bosentan were incubated with RBCs in thrombospondin-coated 96-well plate, which demonstrated that ET-1 decreased adhesion but that bosentan enhanced adhesion. We also assessed erythrocyte apoptosis and observed decreased eryptosis induced by ET-1, and these effects were inhibited bosentan. Thus, these findings demonstrated that ET-1 modulates HbS polymerization, erythrocyte deformability, adhesion to thrombospondin, and eryptosis, and these effects were suppressed or enhanced by bosentan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyzes Rosa Teixeira-Alves
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Fisiologia Eritróide-GPFisEri, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Macaé, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camila Cristina Guimarães-Nobre
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Fisiologia Eritróide-GPFisEri, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Macaé, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Evelyn Mendonça-Reis
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Fisiologia Eritróide-GPFisEri, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Macaé, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro Miranda-Alves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Experimental-LEEx, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clemilson Berto-Junior
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Fisiologia Eritróide-GPFisEri, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Macaé, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Experimental-LEEx, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Macaé, Brazil
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3
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Alshalani A, de Wissel MB, Tuip-de Boer AM, Roelofs JJTH, van Bruggen R, Acker JP, Juffermans NP. Transfusion of female blood in a rat model is associated with red blood cells entrapment in organs. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288308. [PMID: 37992035 PMCID: PMC10664878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) has been associated with adverse outcomes. Mechanisms may be related to donor sex and biological age of RBC. This study hypothesized that receipt of female blood is associated with decreased post-transfusion recovery (PTR) and a concomitant increased organ entrapment in rats, related to young age of donor RBCs. Donor rats underwent bloodletting to stimulate production of new, young RBCs, followed by Percoll fractionation for further enrichment of young RBCs based on their low density. Control donors did not undergo these procedures. Male rats received either a (biotinylated) standard RBC product or a product enriched for young RBCs, derived from either male or female donors. Controls received saline. Organs and blood samples were harvested after 24 hours. This study found no difference in PTR between groups, although only the group receiving young RBCs from females failed to reach a PTR of 75%. Receipt of both standard RBCs and young RBCs from females was associated with increased entrapment of donor RBCs in the lung, liver, and spleen compared to receiving blood from male donors. Soluble ICAM-1 and markers of hemolysis were higher in recipients of female blood compared to control. In conclusion, transfusing RBCs from female donors, but not from male donors, is associated with trapping of donor RBCs in organs, accompanied by endothelial activation and hemolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Alshalani
- Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marit B. de Wissel
- Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anita M. Tuip-de Boer
- Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joris J. T. H. Roelofs
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robin van Bruggen
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jason P. Acker
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Innovation and Portfolio Management, Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole P. Juffermans
- Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care, OLVG Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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4
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Beckman JD, Sparkenbaugh EM. The invisible string of coagulation, complement, iron, and inflammation in sickle cell disease. Curr Opin Hematol 2023; 30:153-158. [PMID: 37462409 PMCID: PMC10529498 DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an update on recent advances in mechanistic studies of thromboinflammatory mechanisms that contribute to the disease pathology in sickle cell disease (SCD). There is a focus on novel pathways, clinical relevance, and translational potential of these findings. We hope to encourage more advances in this area to reduce organ damage in young patients prior to gene therapy, and to serve the aging SCD patient population. RECENT FINDINGS Novel insights into the roles of neutrophils, the ADAMTS-13/VWF axis, oxidative stress, and the intrinsic coagulation cascade, as well as relevant clinical trials, are discussed. SUMMARY Several studies implicate dysregulation of the ADAMTS-13/VWF axis as playing a major role in vaso-occlusive events (VOE) in SCD. Another highlight is reducing iron overload, which has beneficial effects on erythrocyte and neutrophil function that reduce VOE and inflammation. Multiple studies suggest that targeting HO-1/ROS in erythrocytes, platelets, and endothelium can attenuate disease pathology. New insights into coagulation activation identify intrinsic coagulation factor XII as a central regulator of many thromboinflammatory pathologies in SCD. The complement cascade and modulators of neutrophil function and release of neutrophil extracellular traps are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan D Beckman
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Erica M Sparkenbaugh
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Blood Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Goreke U, Iram S, Singh G, Domínguez-Medina S, Man Y, Bode A, An R, Little JA, Wirth CL, Hinczewski M, Gurkan UA. Catch bonds in sickle cell disease: Shear-enhanced adhesion of red blood cells to laminin. Biophys J 2023; 122:2564-2576. [PMID: 37177783 PMCID: PMC10323024 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Could the phenomenon of catch bonding-force-strengthened cellular adhesion-play a role in sickle cell disease, where abnormal red blood cell (RBC) adhesion obstructs blood flow? Here, we investigate the dynamics of sickle RBCs adhering to a surface functionalized with the protein laminin (a component of the extracellular matrix around blood vessels) under physiologically relevant microscale flow. First, using total internal reflectance microscopy we characterize the spatial fluctuations of the RBC membrane above the laminin surface before detachment. The complex dynamics we observe suggest the possibility of catch bonding, where the mean detachment time of the cell from the surface initially increases to a maximum and then decreases as a function of shear force. We next conduct a series of shear-induced detachment experiments on blood samples from 25 sickle cell disease patients, quantifying the number and duration of adhered cells under both sudden force jumps and linear force ramps. The experiments reveal that a subset of patients does indeed exhibit catch bonding. By fitting the data to a theoretical model of the bond dynamics, we can extract the mean bond lifetime versus force for each patient. The results show a striking heterogeneity among patients, both in terms of the qualitative behavior (whether or not there is catch bonding) and in the magnitudes of the lifetimes. Patients with large bond lifetimes at physiological forces are more likely to have certain adverse clinical features, like a diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension and intracardiac shunts. By introducing an in vitro platform for fully characterizing RBC-laminin adhesion dynamics, our approach could contribute to the development of patient-specific antiadhesive therapies for sickle cell disease. The experimental setup is also easily generalizable to studying adhesion dynamics in other cell types, for example, leukocytes or cancer cells, and can incorporate disease-relevant environmental conditions like oxygen deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utku Goreke
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Shamreen Iram
- Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Gundeep Singh
- Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sergio Domínguez-Medina
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Yuncheng Man
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Allison Bode
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ran An
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jane A Little
- Division of Hematology and Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Christopher L Wirth
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael Hinczewski
- Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
| | - Umut A Gurkan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
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An R, Man Y, Cheng K, Zhang T, Chen C, Wang F, Abdulla F, Kucukal E, Wulftange WJ, Goreke U, Bode A, Nayak LV, Vercellotti GM, Belcher JD, Little JA, Gurkan UA. Sickle red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles activate endothelial cells and enhance sickle red cell adhesion mediated by von Willebrand factor. Br J Haematol 2023; 201:552-563. [PMID: 36604837 PMCID: PMC10121869 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial activation and sickle red blood cell (RBC) adhesion are central to the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease (SCD). Quantitatively, RBC-derived extracellular vesicles (REVs) are more abundant from SS RBCs compared with healthy RBCs (AA RBCs). Sickle RBC-derived REVs (SS REVs) are known to promote endothelial cell (EC) activation through cell signalling and transcriptional regulation at longer terms. However, the SS REV-mediated short-term non-transcriptional response of EC is unclear. Here, we examined the impact of SS REVs on acute microvascular EC activation and RBC adhesion at 2 h. Compared with AA REVs, SS REVs promoted human pulmonary microvascular ECs (HPMEC) activation indicated by increased von Willebrand factor (VWF) expression. Under microfluidic conditions, we found abnormal SS RBC adhesion to HPMECs exposed to SS REVs. This enhanced SS RBC adhesion was reduced by haeme binding protein haemopexin or VWF cleaving protease ADAMTS13 to a level similar to HPMECs treated with AA REVs. Consistent with these observations, haemin- or SS REV-induced microvascular stasis in SS mice with implanted dorsal skin-fold chambers that was inhibited by ADAMTS13. The adhesion induced by SS REVs was variable and was higher with SS RBCs from patients with increased markers of haemolysis (lactate dehydrogenase and reticulocyte count) or a concomitant clinical diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. Our results emphasise the critical contribution made by REVs to the pathophysiology of SCD by triggering acute microvascular EC activation and abnormal RBC adhesion. These findings may help to better understand acute pathophysiological mechanism of SCD and thereby the development of new treatment strategies using VWF as a potential target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran An
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- indicates equal contribution
| | - Yuncheng Man
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- indicates equal contribution
| | - Kevin Cheng
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Physiology and Biophysics Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chunsheng Chen
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Vascular Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fuad Abdulla
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Vascular Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Erdem Kucukal
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - William J. Wulftange
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Utku Goreke
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Allison Bode
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lalitha V. Nayak
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gregory M. Vercellotti
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Vascular Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - John D. Belcher
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Vascular Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jane A. Little
- Divison of Hematology & UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Umut A. Gurkan
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Vascular Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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7
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Vissa M, Larkin SK, Vichinsky EP, Kuypers FA, Soupene E. Assessment of total and unbound cell-free heme in plasma of patients with sickle cell disease. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:897-907. [PMID: 36941786 PMCID: PMC10484191 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231157920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Intravascular hemolysis results in the release of cell-free hemoglobin and heme in plasma. In sickle cell disease, the fragility of the sickle red blood cell leads to chronic hemolysis, which can contribute to oxidative damage and activation of inflammatory pathways. The scavenger proteins haptoglobin and hemopexin provide pathways to remove hemoglobin and heme, respectively, from the circulation. Heme also intercalates in membranes of blood cells and endothelial cells in the vasculature and associates with other plasma components such as albumin and lipoproteins. Hemopexin has a much higher affinity and can strip heme from the other pools and detoxify plasma from cell-free circulatory heme. However, due to chronic hemolysis, hemopexin is depleted in individuals with sickle cell disease. Thus, cell-free unbound heme is expected to accumulate in plasma. We developed a methodology for the accurate quantification of the fraction of heme, which is pathologically relevant in sickle cell disease, that does not appear to be sequestered to a plasma compartment. Our data show significant variation in the concentration of unbound heme, and rather unexpectedly, the size of the unbound fraction does not correlate to the degree of hemolysis, as measured by the concentration of bound heme. Very high heme concentrations (>150 µM) were obtained in some plasma with unbound concentrations that were several fold lower than in plasma with much lower hemolysis (<50 µM). These findings underscore the long-term effects of chronic hemolysis on the blood components and of the disruption of the essential equilibrium between release of hemoproteins/heme in the circulation and adaptative response of the scavenging/removal mechanisms. Understanding the clinical implications of this loss of response may provide insights into diagnostic and therapeutic targets in patients with sickle cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhav Vissa
- UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, University of California at San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, University of California at San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Sandra K Larkin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, University of California at San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Elliott P Vichinsky
- UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, University of California at San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, University of California at San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Frans A Kuypers
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, University of California at San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Eric Soupene
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, University of California at San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
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8
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A mathematical model of fibrinogen-mediated erythrocyte-erythrocyte adhesion. Commun Biol 2023; 6:192. [PMID: 36801914 PMCID: PMC9938206 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04560-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythrocytes are deformable cells that undergo progressive biophysical and biochemical changes affecting the normal blood flow. Fibrinogen, one of the most abundant plasma proteins, is a primary determinant for changes in haemorheological properties, and a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the adhesion between human erythrocytes is measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and its effect observed by micropipette aspiration technique, in the absence and presence of fibrinogen. These experimental data are then used in the development of a mathematical model to examine the biomedical relevant interaction between two erythrocytes. Our designed mathematical model is able to explore the erythrocyte-erythrocyte adhesion forces and changes in erythrocyte morphology. AFM erythrocyte-erythrocyte adhesion data show that the work and detachment force necessary to overcome the adhesion between two erythrocytes increase in the presence of fibrinogen. The changes in erythrocyte morphology, the strong cell-cell adhesion and the slow separation of the two cells are successfully followed in the mathematical simulation. Erythrocyte-erythrocyte adhesion forces and energies are quantified and matched with experimental data. The changes observed on erythrocyte-erythrocyte interactions may give important insights about the pathophysiological relevance of fibrinogen and erythrocyte aggregation in hindering microcirculatory blood flow.
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9
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Man Y, Kucukal E, Liu S, An R, Goreke U, Wulftange WJ, Sekyonda Z, Bode A, Little JA, Manwani D, Stavrou EX, Gurkan UA. A microfluidic device for assessment of E-selectin-mediated neutrophil recruitment to inflamed endothelium and prediction of therapeutic response in sickle cell disease. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 222:114921. [PMID: 36521205 PMCID: PMC9850363 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophil recruitment to the inflamed endothelium is a multistep process and is of utmost importance in the development of the hallmark vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease (SCD). However, there lacks a standardized, clinically feasible approach for assessing neutrophil recruitment to the inflamed endothelium for individualized risk stratification and therapeutic response prediction in SCD. Here, we describe a microfluidic device functionalized with E-selectin, a critical endothelial receptor for the neutrophil recruitment process, as a strategy to assess neutrophil binding under physiologic flow in normoxia and clinically relevant hypoxia in SCD. We show that hypoxia significantly enhances neutrophil binding to E-selectin and promotes the formation of neutrophil-platelet aggregates. Moreover, we identified two distinct patient populations: a more severe clinical phenotype with elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels and absolute reticulocyte counts but lowered fetal hemoglobin levels associated with constitutively less neutrophil binding to E-selectin. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the extent of neutrophil activation correlates with membrane L-selectin shedding, resulting in the loss of ligand interaction sites with E-selectin. We also show that inhibition of E-selectin significantly reduces leukocyte recruitment to activated endothelial cells. Our findings add mechanistic insight into neutrophil-endothelial interactions under hypoxia and provide a clinically feasible means for assessing neutrophil binding to E-selectin using clinical whole blood samples, which can help guide therapeutic decisions for SCD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncheng Man
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erdem Kucukal
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Shichen Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ran An
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Utku Goreke
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - William J Wulftange
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Zoe Sekyonda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Allison Bode
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology Division, CWRU School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jane A Little
- Department of Hematology, UNC Blood Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deepa Manwani
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Evi X Stavrou
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology Division, CWRU School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Medicine Service, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Umut A Gurkan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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10
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Sickle Cell Disease Pathophysiology and Related Molecular and Biophysical Biomarkers. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2022; 36:1077-1095. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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An R, Gurkan UA. Emerging functional microfluidic assays for the study of thromboinflammation in sickle cell disease. Curr Opin Hematol 2022; 29:327-334. [PMID: 35916533 PMCID: PMC10440906 DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review briefly summarizes the significant impact of thromboinflammation in sickle cell disease in relation to recent advances in biomarkers that are used in functional microfluidic assays. RECENT FINDINGS Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy that affects 100 000 Americans and millions worldwide. Patients with SCD exhibit chronic haemolysis, chronic inflammation and thrombosis, and vaso-occlusion, triggering various clinical complications, including organ damage and increased mortality and morbidity. Recent advances in functional microfluidic assays provide direct biomarkers of disease, including abnormal white blood cell and red blood cell adhesion, cell aggregation, endothelial degradation and contraction, and thrombus formation. SUMMARY Novel and emerging functional microfluidic assays are a promising and feasible strategy to comprehensively characterize thromboinflammatory reactions in SCD, which can be used for personalized risk assessment and tailored therapeutic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran An
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Umut A. Gurkan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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12
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Palomarez A, Jha M, Medina Romero X, Horton RE. Cardiovascular consequences of sickle cell disease. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:031302. [PMID: 38505276 PMCID: PMC10903381 DOI: 10.1063/5.0094650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder caused by a single point mutation within the beta globin gene. As a result of this mutation, hemoglobin polymerizes under low oxygen conditions causing red blood cells to deform, become more adhesive, and increase in rigidity, which affects blood flow dynamics. This process leads to enhanced red blood cell interactions with the endothelium and contributes to vaso-occlusion formation. Although traditionally defined as a red blood cell disorder, individuals with SCD are affected by numerous clinical consequences including stroke, painful crisis episodes, bone infarctions, and several organ-specific complications. Elevated cardiac output, endothelium activation along with the sickling process, and the vaso-occlusion events pose strains on the cardiovascular system. We will present a review of the cardiovascular consequences of sickle cell disease and show connections with the vasculopathy related to SCD. We will also highlight biophysical properties and engineering tools that have been used to characterize the disease. Finally, we will discuss therapies for SCD and potential implications on SCD cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Palomarez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, USA
| | - Manisha Jha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, USA
| | - Ximena Medina Romero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, USA
| | - Renita E. Horton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, USA
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13
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Azul M, Vital EF, Lam WA, Wood DK, Beckman JD. Microfluidic methods to advance mechanistic understanding and translational research in sickle cell disease. Transl Res 2022; 246:1-14. [PMID: 35354090 PMCID: PMC9218997 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a single point mutation in the β-globin gene of hemoglobin, which produces an altered sickle hemoglobin (HbS). The ability of HbS to polymerize under deoxygenated conditions gives rise to chronic hemolysis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and vaso-occlusion. Herein, we review recent findings using microfluidic technologies that have elucidated mechanisms of oxygen-dependent and -independent induction of HbS polymerization and how these mechanisms elicit the biophysical and inflammatory consequences in SCD pathophysiology. We also discuss how validation and use of microfluidics in SCD provides the opportunity to advance development of numerous therapeutic strategies, including curative gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Azul
- Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Eudorah F Vital
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Wilbur A Lam
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - David K Wood
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Joan D Beckman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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14
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Wulftange WJ, Kucukal E, Man Y, An R, Monchamp K, Sevrain CD, Dashora HR, Owusu-Ansah AT, Bode A, Ilich A, Little JA, Key NS, Gurkan UA. Antithrombin-III mitigates thrombin-mediated endothelial cell contraction and sickle red blood cell adhesion in microscale flow. Br J Haematol 2022; 198:893-902. [PMID: 35822297 PMCID: PMC9542057 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) have persistently elevated thrombin generation that results in a state of systemic hypercoagulability. Antithrombin‐III (ATIII), an endogenous serine protease inhibitor, inhibits several enzymes in the coagulation cascade, including thrombin. Here, we utilize a biomimetic microfluidic device to model the morphology and adhesive properties of endothelial cells (ECs) activated by thrombin and examine the efficacy of ATIII in mitigating the adhesion of SCD patient‐derived red blood cells (RBCs) and EC retraction. Microfluidic devices were fabricated, seeded with ECs, and incubated under physiological shear stress. Cells were then activated with thrombin with or without an ATIII pretreatment. Blood samples from subjects with normal haemoglobin (HbAA) and subjects with homozygous SCD (HbSS) were used to examine RBC adhesion to ECs. Endothelial cell surface adhesion molecule expression and confluency in response to thrombin and ATIII treatments were also evaluated. We found that ATIII pretreatment of ECs reduced HbSS RBC adhesion to thrombin‐activated endothelium. Furthermore, ATIII mitigated cellular contraction and reduced surface expression of von Willebrand factor and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) mediated by thrombin. Our findings suggest that, by attenuating thrombin‐mediated EC damage and RBC adhesion to endothelium, ATIII may alleviate the thromboinflammatory manifestations of SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Wulftange
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Erdem Kucukal
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yuncheng Man
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ran An
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Karamoja Monchamp
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Charlotte D Sevrain
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Himanshu R Dashora
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Amma T Owusu-Ansah
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Allison Bode
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Anton Ilich
- Division of Hematology and UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jane A Little
- Division of Hematology and UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nigel S Key
- Division of Hematology and UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Umut A Gurkan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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15
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Galadanci NA, Johnson W, Carson A, Hellemann G, Howard V, Kanter J. Association Between Patent Foramen Ovale and Overt Ischemic Stroke in Children With Sickle Cell Disease. Front Neurol 2021; 12:761443. [PMID: 34966346 PMCID: PMC8710657 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.761443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the most devastating complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA). Previous studies have shown that intracardiac shunting including patent foramen ovale (PFO) can be a potential risk factor for stroke in children with SCA. This study investigates the association between PFO and overt ischemic stroke in the DISPLACE (Dissemination and Implementation of Stroke Prevention Looking at the Care Environment) study cohort of 5,247 children with SCA of whom 1,414 had at least one clinical non-contrast transthoracic echocardiogram. Presence of PFO was taken from the clinical report. Further, we assessed the association between PFO and other clinical and hemolytic factors in children with SCA such as history of abnormal sickle stroke screen [elevated Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) velocity] and patient's baseline hemoglobin. In 642 children for whom all data were available, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for overt stroke was higher in those with PFO but this was not statistically significant (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.20-11.03, p = 0.6994). With an OR of 0.85, the study suggested less PFOs in those with abnormal TCD, but this was not statistically significant (95% CI: 0.17-4.25, p = 0.8463). Overall, the prevalence of PFO in this large sub study of non-contrast echocardiography amongst children with SCA is much lower than previous smaller studies using bubble contrast echocardiography. Overt stroke was non-statistically more common in children with SCA and PFO, but there was no evidence that PFO was more common in those with abnormal TCD, the most important pediatric sickle stroke screen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najibah A Galadanci
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UAB School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Walter Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, UAB School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - April Carson
- Jackson Heart Study, University of Mississipi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Gerhard Hellemann
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Virginia Howard
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Julie Kanter
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UAB School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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16
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Mathur T, Flanagan JM, Jain A. Tripartite collaboration of blood-derived endothelial cells, next generation RNA sequencing and bioengineered vessel-chip may distinguish vasculopathy and thrombosis among sickle cell disease patients. Bioeng Transl Med 2021; 6:e10211. [PMID: 34589594 PMCID: PMC8459595 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most prevalent inherited blood disorder in the world. But the clinical manifestations of the disease are highly variable. In particular, it is currently difficult to predict the adverse outcomes within patients with SCD, such as, vasculopathy, thrombosis, and stroke. Therefore, for most effective and timely interventions, a predictive analytic strategy is desirable. In this study, we evaluate the endothelial and prothrombotic characteristics of blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) generated from blood samples of SCD patients with known differences in clinical severity of the disease. We present a method to evaluate patient-specific vaso-occlusive risk by combining novel RNA-seq and organ-on-chip approaches. Through differential gene expression (DGE) and pathway analysis we find that BOECs from SCD patients exhibit an activated state through cell adhesion molecule (CAM) and cytokine signaling pathways among many others. In agreement with clinical symptoms of patients, DGE analyses reveal that patient with severe SCD had a greater extent of endothelial activation compared to patient with milder symptoms. This difference is confirmed by performing qRT-PCR of endothelial adhesion markers like E-selectin, P-selectin, tissue factor, and Von Willebrand factor. Finally, the differential regulation of the proinflammatory phenotype is confirmed through platelet adhesion readouts in our BOEC vessel-chip. Taken together, we hypothesize that these easily blood-derived endothelial cells evaluated through RNA-seq and organ-on-chips may serve as a biotechnique to predict vaso-occlusive episodes in SCD patients and will ultimately allow better therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Mathur
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Jonathan M. Flanagan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology‐OncologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
- Department of Medical PhysiologyCollege of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science CenterBryanTexasUSA
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17
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Asaro RJ, Cabrales P. Red Blood Cells: Tethering, Vesiculation, and Disease in Micro-Vascular Flow. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11060971. [PMID: 34072241 PMCID: PMC8228733 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11060971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The red blood cell has become implicated in the progression of a range of diseases; mechanisms by which red cells are involved appear to include the transport of inflammatory species via red cell-derived vesicles. We review this role of RBCs in diseases such as diabetes mellitus, sickle cell anemia, polycythemia vera, central retinal vein occlusion, Gaucher disease, atherosclerosis, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. We propose a possibly unifying, and novel, paradigm for the inducement of RBC vesiculation during vascular flow of red cells adhered to the vascular endothelium as well as to the red pulp of the spleen. Indeed, we review the evidence for this hypothesis that links physiological conditions favoring both vesiculation and enhanced RBC adhesion and demonstrate the veracity of this hypothesis by way of a specific example occurring in splenic flow which we argue has various renderings in a wide range of vascular flows, in particular microvascular flows. We provide a mechanistic basis for membrane loss and the formation of lysed red blood cells in the spleen that may mediate their turnover. Our detailed explanation for this example also makes clear what features of red cell deformability are involved in the vesiculation process and hence require quantification and a new form of quantitative indexing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Asaro
- Department of Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-619-890-6888; Fax: +1-858-534-6373
| | - Pedro Cabrales
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA;
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18
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes the significant biophysical and rheological aspects of red blood cell physiology and pathophysiology in relation to recent advances in microfluidic biomarker assays and emerging targeted or curative intent therapies. RECENT FINDINGS Alterations in red cell biophysical properties and blood rheology have been associated with numerous hematologic and circulatory disorders. Recent advances in biomarker assays enable effective assessment of these biophysical and rheological properties in normoxia or physiological hypoxia in a clinically meaningful way. There are emerging targeted or curative therapies that aim to improve red cell pathophysiology, especially in the context of inherited hemoglobin disorders, such as sickle cell disease. SUMMARY Red cell pathophysiology can be therapeutically targeted and the improvements in membrane and cellular biophysics and blood rheology can now be feasibly assessed via new microfluidic biomarker assays. Recent advances provide a new hope and novel treatment options for major red cell ailments, including inherited hemoglobin disorders, membrane disorders, and other pathologies of the red cell, such as malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut A. Gurkan
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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19
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Man Y, Maji D, An R, Ahuja SP, Little JA, Suster MA, Mohseni P, Gurkan UA. Microfluidic electrical impedance assessment of red blood cell-mediated microvascular occlusion. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1036-1048. [PMID: 33666615 PMCID: PMC8170703 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01133a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the deformability of red blood cells (RBCs), occurring in hemolytic blood disorders such as sickle cell disease (SCD), contribute to vaso-occlusion and disease pathophysiology. There are few functional in vitro assays for standardized assessment of RBC-mediated microvascular occlusion. Here, we present the design, fabrication, and clinical testing of the Microfluidic Impedance Red Cell Assay (MIRCA) with embedded capillary network-based micropillar arrays and integrated electrical impedance measurement electrodes to address this need. The micropillar arrays consist of microcapillaries ranging from 12 μm to 3 μm, with each array paired with two sputtered gold electrodes to measure the impedance change of the array before and after sample perfusion through the microfluidic device. We define RBC occlusion index (ROI) and RBC electrical impedance index (REI), which represent the cumulative percentage occlusion and cumulative percentage impedance change, respectively. We demonstrate the promise of MIRCA in two common red cell disorders, SCD and hereditary spherocytosis. We show that the electrical impedance measurement reflects the microvascular occlusion, where REI significantly correlates with ROI that is obtained via high-resolution microscopy imaging of the microcapillary arrays. Further, we show that RBC-mediated microvascular occlusion, represented by ROI and REI, associates with clinical treatment outcomes and correlates with in vivo hemolytic biomarkers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level and absolute reticulocyte count (ARC) in SCD. Impedance measurement obviates the need for high-resolution imaging, enabling future translation of this technology for widespread access, portable and point-of-care use. Our findings suggest that the presented microfluidic design and the integrated electrical impedance measurement provide a reproducible functional test for standardized assessment of RBC-mediated microvascular occlusion. MIRCA and the newly defined REI may serve as an in vitro therapeutic efficacy benchmark for assessing the clinical outcome of emerging RBC-modifying targeted and curative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncheng Man
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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20
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Man Y, Kucukal E, An R, Bode A, Little JA, Gurkan UA. Standardized microfluidic assessment of red blood cell-mediated microcapillary occlusion: Association with clinical phenotype and hydroxyurea responsiveness in sickle cell disease. Microcirculation 2021; 28:e12662. [PMID: 33025653 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We present a standardized in vitro microfluidic assay and Occlusion Index (OI) for the assessment of red blood cell (RBC)-mediated microcapillary occlusion and its clinical associations in sickle cell disease (SCD). METHODS Red blood cell mediated microcapillary occlusion represented by OI and its clinical associations were assessed for seven subjects with hemoglobin-SC disease (HbSC), 18 subjects with homozygous SCD (HbSS), and five control individuals (HbAA). RESULTS We identified two sub-populations with HbSS based on the OI distribution. HbSS subjects with relatively higher OIs had significantly lower hemoglobin levels, lower fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels, and lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV), but significantly higher serum lactate dehydrogenase levels and absolute reticulocyte counts, compared to subjects with HbSS and lower OIs. HbSS subjects who had relatively higher OIs were more likely to have had a concomitant diagnosis of intrapulmonary shunting (IPS). Further, lower OI associated with hydroxyurea (HU) responsiveness in subjects with HbSS, as evidenced by significantly elevated HbF levels and MCV. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that RBC-mediated microcapillary occlusion and OI associated with subject clinical phenotype and HU responsiveness in SCD. The presented standardized microfluidic assay may be useful for evaluating clinical phenotype and assessing therapeutic outcomes in SCD, including emerging targeted and curative treatments that aim to improve RBC deformability and microcirculatory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncheng Man
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erdem Kucukal
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ran An
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Allison Bode
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jane A Little
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Umut A Gurkan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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21
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Assessment of Fibrinogen Macromolecules Interaction with Red Blood Cells Membrane by Means of Laser Aggregometry, Flow Cytometry, and Optical Tweezers Combined with Microfluidics. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101448. [PMID: 33076409 PMCID: PMC7602533 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An elevated concentration of fibrinogen in blood is a significant risk factor during many pathological diseases, as it leads to an increase in red blood cells (RBC) aggregation, resulting in hemorheological disorders. Despite the biomedical importance, the mechanisms of fibrinogen-induced RBC aggregation are still debatable. One of the discussed models is the non-specific adsorption of fibrinogen macromolecules onto the RBC membrane, leading to the cells bridging in aggregates. However, recent works point to the specific character of the interaction between fibrinogen and the RBC membrane. Fibrinogen is the major physiological ligand of glycoproteins receptors IIbIIIa (GPIIbIIIa or αIIββ3 or CD41/CD61). Inhibitors of GPIIbIIIa are widely used in clinics for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases as antiplatelets agents preventing the platelets’ aggregation. However, the effects of GPIIbIIIa inhibition on RBC aggregation are not sufficiently well studied. The objective of the present work was the complex multimodal in vitro study of the interaction between fibrinogen and the RBC membrane, revealing the role of GPIIbIIIa in the specificity of binding of fibrinogen by the RBC membrane and its involvement in the cells’ aggregation process. We demonstrate that GPIIbIIIa inhibition leads to a significant decrease in the adsorption of fibrinogen macromolecules onto the membrane, resulting in the reduction of RBC aggregation. We show that the mechanisms underlying these effects are governed by a decrease in the bridging components of RBC aggregation forces.
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