INDUCED SICKLING OF ERYTHROCYTES VIA BENDING AND THE EFFECT OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES ON CELL PORE ENTRY
Abstract:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, leading to the deformation and sickling of red blood cells (erythrocytes). The sickling process, triggered by various factors such as low oxygen levels or mechanical stress, results in the altered shape and reduced flexibility of erythrocytes, leading to impaired blood flow and tissue damage. In this study, we investigate the specific mechanism of induced sickling through bending and its effect on the mechanical properties of erythrocytes, particularly in relation to cell pore entry.
To explore the role of bending in inducing sickling, erythrocytes from individuals with SCD were subjected to controlled mechanical stress using microfluidic devices and optical microscopy techniques. The cells were exposed to varying levels of bending forces, mimicking physiological conditions within blood vessels. The resulting changes in erythrocyte shape and deformability were analyzed using high-resolution imaging and rheological measurements.
Our findings reveal that the bending forces exerted on erythrocytes can induce sickling, resulting in the characteristic crescent-shaped cells observed in SCD. The extent of sickling was found to be dependent on the magnitude and duration of the applied bending forces. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the erythrocyte membrane, including stiffness and elasticity, were found to play a significant role in determining the susceptibility of cells to sickling under bending stress.
Furthermore, we investigated the effect of induced sickling on cell pore entry, which is crucial for erythrocyte function. Using advanced imaging techniques, we observed that the altered shape and reduced deformability of sickled erythrocytes hindered their ability to pass through narrow capillaries and microvasculature. This impaired cell pore entry may contribute to the vaso-occlusive events and tissue damage associated with SCD.
Overall, this study provides insights into the mechanism of induced sickling through bending and highlights the importance of mechanical properties in erythrocyte behavior. Understanding the factors influencing sickling and cell pore entry could aid in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for managing SCD and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
INDUCED SICKLING OF ERYTHROCYTES VIA BENDING AND THE EFFECT OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES ON CELL PORE ENTRY, GET MORE MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING