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Methylglyoxal Promotes RBC-Driven Procoagulant Activity and Venous Thrombosis under Diabetes-Relevant Conditions
Eun-Hye Kim1,2, Sungbin Choi1, Hye Hyun Yoo1
1Hanyang University - Ansan Campus, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Gyeonggido, The Republic of Korea, Ansan-si.
Thrombosis and Haemostasis
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Methylglyoxal (MG) in red blood cells (RBCs) promotes thrombotic activity, contributing to venous thrombosis in diabetes. This study links MG-induced RBC changes to increased clot formation and diabetic complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Metabolic Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is linked to cardiovascular complications, notably thrombosis.
- Elevated methylglyoxal (MG) levels in red blood cells (RBCs) are observed in diabetic patients.
- MG's role in RBC eryptosis and its contribution to thrombotic activity require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the procoagulant and thrombotic activity of RBCs exposed to methylglyoxal (MG).
- To evaluate the impact of MG on RBCs under simulated diabetic conditions, including high shear stress and glucose.
- To establish the link between MG-induced RBC changes and venous thrombosis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro incubation of human RBCs with MG to assess procoagulant and thrombotic activities.
- In vivo rat venous thrombosis model to evaluate thrombus formation.
- Assessment of RBC phosphatidylserine externalization, morphology, adhesion, thrombin generation, and deformability.
Main Results:
- MG induced phosphatidylserine externalization and morphological changes in RBCs via intracellular calcium imbalance.
- MG-treated RBCs demonstrated increased adhesion to endothelial cells, enhanced thrombin generation, and reduced deformability.
- Thrombus weight significantly increased in the in vivo model following MG administration, with enhanced procoagulant activity under diabetic conditions.
Conclusions:
- MG-treated RBCs exhibit increased procoagulant activity, contributing to enhanced thrombotic activity and venous thrombosis development.
- RBC eryptosis-like changes induced by MG are linked to a thrombosis phenotype in diabetic conditions.
- Methylglyoxal is highlighted as a potential key factor in diabetes-associated thrombotic complications.
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