Extracellular Hemoglobin: Modulation of Cellular Functions and Pathophysiological Effects.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Biomedical Research

Background:

• Hemoglobin (Hb) is crucial for oxygen transport and cellular energy balance.
• Intact erythrocytes utilize Hb for gas molecule binding (NO, CO, CO2) and signaling.
• Extracellular Hb exhibits secondary functions impacting cellular processes and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of extracellular hemoglobin in cellular functions.
• To highlight the impact of extracellular Hb on cellular redox status, inflammation, proliferation, mitochondrial dynamics, chemoresistance, and differentiation.
• To discuss the potential biomedical applications of extracellular Hb.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on experimental studies of extracellular hemoglobin.
• Analysis of research on non-vertebrate and vertebrate extracellular Hb.
• Examination of applications in hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers and cell culture.

Main Results:

• Extracellular Hb modulates cellular redox state and inflammatory responses.
• It influences cell proliferation, chemotaxis, mitochondrial dynamics, and differentiation.
• Extracellular Hb affects chemoresistance in various cell types.
• Non-vertebrate and vertebrate Hb show promise as oxygen carriers and in cell culture.

Conclusions:

• Extracellular hemoglobin possesses significant modulatory effects on diverse cellular functions.
• Its roles extend to disease etiology and pathophysiology.
• Extracellular Hb holds promise for therapeutic and research applications, particularly in oxygen delivery and cell culture systems.