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Published in the journal Diabetes by researchers from the Karolinska Institute, work shows that the duration of the disease decisively influences the appearance of modifications within red blood cells.
The team examined both animal models and patients with type 2 diabetes. They observed that red blood cells taken after many years of the disease disrupted the normal functioning of blood vessels. In contrast, those from newly diagnosed patients did not cause this problem. However, after seven years of follow-up, the same patients presented comparable alterations in their blood cells.
A central element of this transformation is the molecule microRNA-210. The investigations showed that restoring the levels of this molecule in red blood cells improved vascular function. According to the study, this observation paves the way for the use of microRNA-210 as an early indicator of cardiovascular risks in diabetic people.
This work could lead to the development of a simple test to identify the patients most at risk before significant vascular damage occurs. The authors envision that this could enable more targeted and effective preventive interventions, thereby reducing serious complications like heart attacks or strokes.
The next steps consist of validating this biomarker in larger studies involving diverse populations. The objective is to confirm its reliability and clinical utility for early detection. This approach could transform the management of diabetes by focusing on personalized prevention.
The essential role of red blood cells in the body
Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are blood cells specialized in transporting oxygen from the lungs to all the body's tissues. Their biconcave disc shape and flexibility allow them to circulate easily in blood vessels, even the narrowest ones. This function is vital for supplying the energy necessary for the functioning of organs and muscles.
Besides oxygen, red blood cells also contribute to the transport of carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product, to the lungs where it is exhaled. They contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that binds to oxygen and gives it its characteristic red color. The production of these cells is regulated by the bone marrow in response to the body's needs.
Under normal conditions, red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days before being recycled by the body. Their proper functioning depends on several factors, including a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins. When they are altered, for example in certain diseases, this can affect tissue oxygenation and lead to health problems.
Understanding their biology helps explain how changes, like those observed in diabetes, can have repercussions on the entire cardiovascular system. This knowledge is fundamental for developing prevention and treatment strategies.