title: Influence of Erythrocyte Membrane Stability in Atherosclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to show how an excess of cholesterol in the erythrocyte membrane contributes stochastically to the progression of atherosclerosis, leading to damage in blood rheology and O2transport, deposition of cholesterol (from trapped erythrocytes) in an area of intraplaque hemorrhage, and local exacerbation of oxidative stress.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cholesterol contained in the membrane of erythrocytes trapped in an intraplaque hemorrhage contributes to the growth of the necrotic nucleus. There is even a relationship between the amount of cholesterol in the erythrocyte membrane and the severity of atherosclerosis. In addition, the volume variability among erythrocytes, measured by RDW, is predictive of a worsening of this disease. Erythrocytes contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in several ways, especially when trapped in intraplate hemorrhage. These erythrocytes are oxidized and phagocytosed by macrophages. The cholesterol present in the membrane of these erythrocytes subsequently contributes to the growth of the atheroma plaque. In addition, when they rupture, erythrocytes release hemoglobin, which leads to the generation of free radicals. Finally, increased RDW may predict the worsening of atherosclerosis, due to the effects of inflammation and oxidative stress on erythropoiesis and erythrocyte volume. A better understanding of erythrocyte participation in atherosclerosis may contribute to the improvement of the prevention and treatment strategies of this disease.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: da Silva Garrote-Filho
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic and Environmental Sciences, University of São Paulo, Lorena, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Morun
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernardino-Neto
authors.affiliation: Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil. nspenha@ufu.br.
authors.forename: Nilson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Penha-Silva
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages; D018384:Oxidative Stress
chemical_list: D002784:Cholesterol
keywords: Cholesterol; Erythrocyte; Hemoglobin; Macrophage; Oxidative stress; Red cell distribution width