Hematology

A new study found that diabetes alters rheologic properties due to red blood cell deformity and increased adhesion, which increases cardiovascular risk in the condition. Diabetes is one of the most significant health disorders globally, and there has been a fourfold increase in the number of individuals affected by the condition since 1980. Among the...

Primaquine is contraindicated in patients with P. vivax infections due to a risk of hemolysis. However, a novel humanized murine study identified specific conformational changes in glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency that confirm that activity of the enzyme decreases with RBC age and support dose escalation regimens, as currently suggested by clinical studies.  Approximately 500 million...

BlvrB is an important antioxidant in mature red blood cells. It is especially helpful in preventing hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient individuals. Biliverdin reductase B (BlvrB) is the fourth-most abundant enzyme in red blood cells (RBCs) and is also present in many other tissues. Existing literature on heme metabolism and bilirubin-related pathologies has predominantly focused on...

Researchers introduced a new mutation to pluripotent stem cells, enabling their transformation to red blood cells without the need for expensive stem cell factor and erythropoietin, thus enabling large-scale RBC culture at lower costs. Numerous hematological conditions require blood frequent blood transfusions. Therefore, in recent years, researchers have explored the potential of cultured red blood...

In this study, researchers used CRISPR gene editing to map genes that play a vital role in erythropoiesis, which may be instrumental in managing aplastic anemia. The objective of this study, shared in a paper at the 65th ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition, was to understand genes governing red blood cell (RBC) development. While prior...

The autophagy-associated protease Atg4a helps maintain mitochondrial quality during the development phase of red blood cells through autophagy and, thus, removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, according to a new study. The loss of this quality control results in low heme concentrations in red blood cells, even in the absence of overt iron deficiency. Maintaining mitochondrial quality...

Vivax malaria has historically been absent in sub-Saharan Africa, as the parasite cannot penetrate Duffy-negative erythroblasts. However, a new study shows that P. vivax can penetrate erythrocytes during erythropoiesis due to the transitory expression of the protein. Plasmodium vivax malaria was historically believed to be absent in sub-Saharan Africa due to the high prevalence of...

A new study found that one-third of intracerebral hemorrhage patients experience anemia and that this occurs due to continued inflammation, causing bone marrow erythropoiesis suppression. The study also demonstrated that IL-6 antagonists may benefit such patients, increasing erythropoiesis and reducing neural deficits. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is among the leading causes of death and disability globally...

Treatment with rituximab was associated with a greater incidence of serious infections in patients with cold agglutinin disease. Rituximab administration was associated with a high relapse rate and short duration of therapeutic response.  Rituximab has been used off-label for the treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, including cold agglutinin disease (CAD). This retrospective observational study aimed...