The Erythrocyte in Metabolic Syndrome: From Cell Biology to Clinical Impact

Metabolic syndrome is a major global health challenge characterized by a cluster of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, including insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Although traditionally investigated through endocrine and vascular mechanisms, growing evidence suggests that erythrocytes play a more active role in cardiometabolic physiology than previously recognized. Beyond their classical function in oxygen transport, red blood cells participate in redox regulation, nitric oxide metabolism, and intercellular communication. Alterations in erythrocyte metabolism, membrane composition, deformability, and oxidative balance have been associated with microvascular dysfunction and systemic inflammation in metabolic disorders. Furthermore, erythrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles and metabolic adaptations may influence vascular homeostasis and disease progression. Understanding how erythrocyte biology is altered in metabolic syndrome may provide new insights into disease mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets relevant to cardiometabolic health.This Research Topic, The Erythrocyte in Metabolic Syndrome: From Cell Biology to Clinical Impact, aims to explore the emerging role of erythrocytes in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome and its complications. While red blood cells have historically been considered passive carriers of oxygen and carbon dioxide, recent research indicates that they actively contribute to metabolic regulation, oxidative balance, and vascular function. However, the mechanisms linking erythrocyte alterations to metabolic syndrome remain incompletely understood.The goal of this collection is to bring together interdisciplinary contributions that integrate cellular, molecular, and clinical perspectives on erythrocyte biology in cardiometabolic disease. By highlighting new mechanistic insights and translational findings, this collection seeks to advance our understanding of how red blood cells may influence disease development, progression, and clinical outcomes.Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:• Erythrocyte metabolism and metabolic adaptations in metabolic syndrome• Redox balance, oxidative stress, and antioxidant systems in erythrocytes• Membrane structure, deformability, and rheological properties• Erythrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles and intercellular communication• Interactions between erythrocytes and vascular or immune systems• Erythrocytes as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in cardiometabolic diseaseWe welcome submissions of original research articles, review papers, and perspective or mini-review articles addressing the role of erythrocytes in metabolic syndrome and related cardiometabolic disorders. Contributions spanning basic science, translational research, and clinical studies are encouraged. Authors interested in contributing are invited to submit manuscript summaries or abstracts outlining their proposed work prior to full submission. This will help ensure alignment with the scope of the collection and facilitate the editorial process. Topic editors: Alexis Campetelli, María Florencia Leal Denis, Alessia Remigante, Rossana Morabito, Juan Franco Rivelli Antonelli Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80145/the-erythrocyte-in-metabolic-syndrome-from-cell-biology-to-clinical-impact