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Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Three-Dimensional Imaging of Aortic Tissues in Atherosclerosis
Published on: October 25, 2024
Erythrocytes: Central Actors in Multiple Scenes of Atherosclerosis
Chloé Turpin1, Aurélie Catan1, Olivier Meilhac1,2
1Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), INSERM, UMR 1188, Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint Denis, France.
Abstract:
The development and progression of atherosclerosis (ATH) involves lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and both vascular and blood cell dysfunction. Erythrocytes, the main circulating cells in the body, exert determinant roles in the gas transport between tissues. Erythrocytes have long been considered as simple bystanders in cardiovascular diseases, including ATH. This review highlights recent knowledge concerning the role of erythrocytes being more than just passive gas carriers, as potent contributors to atherosclerotic plaque progression. Erythrocyte physiology and ATH pathology is first described. Then, a specific chapter delineates the numerous links between erythrocytes and atherogenesis. In particular, we discuss the impact of extravasated erythrocytes in plaque iron homeostasis with potential pathological consequences. Hyperglycaemia is recognised as a significant aggravating contributor to the development of ATH. Then, a special focus is made on glycoxidative modifications of erythrocytes and their role in ATH. This chapter includes recent data proposing glycoxidised erythrocytes as putative contributors to enhanced atherothrombosis in diabetic patients.
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