Eriptosis: Mecanismos moleculares y su implicación en la enfermedad aterotrombótica

Introduction: Eryptosis has been described as programmed process of cellular death in erythrocytes before old age. It can be triggered, among other factors, by situations such as osmotic stress, oxidative stress or exposure to heavy metals. Several studies suggest that erythrocytes can play an active role in normal or abnormal haemostasis in certain conditions where the membrane of these cells is perturbed. Objetive: To describe the mechanisms involved in eryptosis and their close relationship with the processes of adhesion to the vascular wall that entail the thrombotic disease. Methods: A narrative review was carried out from the literature found in data base PubMed and Science Direct by using the key words. 51 original articles, 20 literature reviews and one case study complying with the requirements were selected. Abstracts were reviewed separately and independently. Complete publications were then located for review. Conclusions: Eryptosis is characterised by the decrease in cell volume, the vesiculation and the translocation of phosphatidylserine towards the outer surface of the plasma membrane. Disorders in the distribution of the phospholipids favour processes of cell adhesion to the vascular wall, causing impairment of microcirculation, which can result in important cardiovascular diseases. Understanding and clarifying eryptosis could be essential for finding new therapeutic targets, aimed at offering other pharmacological alternatives for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.