Erythrocytolysis: Breakdown of red blood cells and its consequences
Erythrocytolysis, or red blood cell breakdown, is the process of destruction of red blood cells, the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. This process plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis and functioning of the body. Although erythrocytolysis is usually pathological, it can also be physiological and necessary for blood renewal.
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds and transports oxygen. During erythrocytolysis, hemoglobin is released and can have various consequences for the body. There are several causes that can lead to erythrocytolysis, including genetic abnormalities, autoimmune diseases, infections and trauma.
One of the best known examples of erythrocytolysis is hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by increased destruction of red blood cells. In such cases, the body's immune system attacks its own red blood cells, which leads to their accelerated breakdown. This may occur due to the presence of autoantibodies directed against red blood cells or due to mechanical damage to red blood cells as they pass through narrowed vessels or increased physical stress.
However, erythrocytolysis is not always pathological. In some cases, it is necessary to regenerate blood and remove old or damaged red blood cells. This is especially important in the bone marrow, where the active formation of new red blood cells occurs.
The consequences of erythrocytolysis can be varied and depend on the scale and causes of this process. In the case of hemolytic anemia, for example, a person may experience symptoms associated with a lack of oxygen to the tissues, such as weakness, fatigue, pale skin and shortness of breath. In addition, the release of hemoglobin by erythrocytolysis can lead to the formation of free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and tissue damage.
Treatment for erythrocytolysis depends on its cause. In some cases, blood transfusion may be required to compensate for the loss of red blood cells. For autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressants or immunotherapy may be used to reduce the activity of the immune system. For infectious diseases, the underlying cause of the infection must be treated.
In conclusion, erythrocytolysis is the process of destruction of red blood cells, which can have various causes and effects on the body. It can be either pathological, associated with various diseases, or physiological, necessary for blood renewal. Understanding the mechanisms of erythrocytolysis and its consequences is important for the diagnosis and treatment of associated conditions.
Erythrocytosis Erythrocytol (entrophyl cytolysis) – cleavage of a membrane fragment with the formation of a granule or vacuole (containing a hemolytic enzyme).
The breakdown of red blood cells within the normal population. This process is physiological. It occurs when mature red blood cells age and become too large to form normal capillaries. As a result, they burst and hemoglobin and other substances are released into the blood, which are then absorbed by the liver, preventing hemoglobin deficiency.
The main causes of destruction of red blood cells by volume are 2 types of hemorrhagic diathesis. With the former, there is an increase in the volume of the bloodstream, with the latter, there is an increase in the sensitivity of the vascular wall to activating agents (hexosamine, collagen), which is typical for patients with chronic diseases (systemic diseases and local inflammatory processes).