Alterations in the red blood cell rheology in pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effect of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) on the RBCs rheological properties at the time of diagnosis and to examine their potential relationship with tumor stage.

Material and Methods

We studied 32 patients with confirmed PDAC.The aggregation and deformability of RBCs were evaluated using a LORCA.The following parameters specific to the aggregation process were estimated: the aggregation index (AI), the aggregation half-time (t_1/2), and the threshold shear rate (γ_thr).RBC deformability expressed as erythrocyte elongation (EI), was measured from 0.3 Pa to 60 Pa shear stresses.

Results

All measured RBC aggregation parameters among PDAC subjects differed from those in controls. The AI (P < 0.03) was significantly higher in the PDAC group, whereas t_1/2 (P < 0.001) and AMP (P < 0.001) were significantly lower compared to the control group. No significant differences in RBC deformability were observed between the PDAC and control groups.There were significant correlations between some RBC aggregation parameters and PDAC tumor staging (T).There was that T correlated positively with t_1/2, and negatively with AI and γ_thr.

Conclusion

PDAC is associated with alterations in RBC rheology behavior. Results indicated a higher tendency for RBC aggregation and aggregate stability associated with the rigidity of RBC at lower shear stress.