Molecular Interactions between Erythrocytes and the Endocrine System

Abstract

Hormones are secreted by the endocrine glands and reach their targets after circulating in the blood. Many studies have documented that erythrocytes can bind hormones, and possible interactions have been reported. Erythrocytes are responsive to signaling initiated after binding of epinephrine, norepinephrine, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, parathyroid hormone, and angiotensin. Signaling results in regulation of cellular metabolism and membrane fluidity. In addition, erythrocytes are circulating pools for dopamine, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and aldosterone. Erythrocyte function and structure are regulated by endocrine signals, while erythrocytes are important constituents for the transport of hormones in the body.

Erythrocyte TLR9 is upregulated in metabolic associated fatty liver disease, and is linked to an inflammatory immunometabolic signature

“…In this study, we report increased TLR9 levels on erythrocytes, which could contribute to the increased delivery of mitochondrial DNA to macrophages, resulting in inflammation 23 . However, we should keep in mind that systemic metabolic perturbation could amplify erythrocyte-dependent inflammation irrespectively of TLR9 44–46 . Erythrocyte TLR9 upregulation probably stems from the effort of the organism to scavenge the circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA 47 .…”

Exploring unconventional attributes of red blood cells and their potential applications in biomedicine

“…As highlighted in a recent review ( D’Alessandro et al, 2023a ), RBC metabolism is far from simple, not only involving glycolysis but also exhibiting an extensive metabolic network, including cytosolic metabolism of tricarboxylic acids ( D’Alessandro et al, 2017b ), purine ( Nemkov et al, 2018b ) and arginine ( Kalani Roy et al, 2022 ) metabolism. In addition, RBCs possess receptors and transporters for various important molecules, including insulin, sex and (para)thyroid hormones, catecholamines, neurotransmitters, and multiple drugs ( de Almeida and Saldanha, 2010 ; Gambhir and Agarwal, 1991 ; Nemkov et al, 2018a ; Papadopoulos et al, 2021b ). All these render RBCs as a “sink” or transporter for metabolites and signaling molecules, informatively demonstrated in the case of cortisol and aldosterone, both of which seem to be bound and released in a temperature-dependent manner ( Papadopoulos et al, 2021b ).…”

“…In addition, RBCs possess receptors and transporters for various important molecules, including insulin, sex and (para)thyroid hormones, catecholamines, neurotransmitters, and multiple drugs ( de Almeida and Saldanha, 2010 ; Gambhir and Agarwal, 1991 ; Nemkov et al, 2018a ; Papadopoulos et al, 2021b ). All these render RBCs as a “sink” or transporter for metabolites and signaling molecules, informatively demonstrated in the case of cortisol and aldosterone, both of which seem to be bound and released in a temperature-dependent manner ( Papadopoulos et al, 2021b ). Activating some of these receptors also induces intracellular signaling cascades.…”

Unexplored Roles of Erythrocytes in Atherothrombotic Stroke

“…Furthermore, erythrocytes constitute a link between the systemic metabolic status and immune function [ 9 ]. These activities of red blood cells are largely regulated by extracellular signals, such as lipids, hormones, glucose, and other metabolites, in the circulation or the microenvironment they are found in [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”