Analysis and clinical relevance of microparticles from red blood cells.
OBJECTIVE
The mechanisms involved in the formation of red blood cell (RBC) microparticles in vivo as well as during erythrocyte storage are reviewed, and the potential role of microparticles in transfusion medicine is described.


RESULTS
Microparticles release is an integral part of the erythrocyte ageing process, preventing early removal of RBCs. Proteomics analyses have outlined the key role of band 3-ankyrin anchoring complex and the occurrence of selective RBC membrane remodelling mechanisms in microparticles formation. The presence of several RBC antigens, expressed on microparticles, has been demonstrated. The potential deleterious effects of RBC microparticles in transfused recipients, including hypercoagulability, microcirculation impairment and immunosuppression, are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Formation and role of RBC microparticles are far from being completely understood. Combining various approaches to elucidate these mechanisms could improve blood product quality and transfusion safety. Implementation of RBC microparticles as biomarkers in the laboratory routine needs to overcome technical barriers involved in their analysis.
Tissot
Jean-Daniel
JD
Service Régional Vaudois de Transfusion Sanguine, Lausanne, Switzerland. Jean-Daniel.Tissot@mavietonsang.ch
Rubin
Olivier
O
Canellini
Giorgia
G
D001793:Blood Preservation; D055252:Cell-Derived Microparticles / Q000502:physiology*; D004905:Erythrocyte Aging / Q000502:physiology; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation