The mechanism of platelet activation by extracellular hemoglobin in sickle cell disease

A recent study from the Disease Biology Lab led by Dr. Prasenjit Guchhait’s uncovered the mechanism of platelet activation by free-hemoglobin in circulation in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The group had already described the mechanism of activation of circulating platelets by free-Hb in PNH  patients. This study further shows that sickle hemoglobin Hb (HbS) also activates platelets potently in patients with SCD in manner similar to HbA (Hb of normal individuals). Therefore this work explains that free Hb is detrimetal for patients with hemolytic disorders independent of the type (normal or sickle), developing eventually to pro-thrombotic complications. Further details can be found at:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27936141