The efficient and targeted delivery of pharmaceutical substances remains a major challenge in modern therapeutics. Traditional drug delivery systems often suffer from limited bioavailability, rapid clearance, and off-target effects. Red blood cells (erythrocytes), due to their long circulation time, biocompatibility, and immune-evasive properties, have emerged as promising carriers in the development of novel nanotechnology-based drug delivery platforms.A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing recent studies on erythrocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles, their interactions with loaded therapeutic agents, and their performance in vitro and in vivo. Special focus was given to applications in chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and immunotherapy. Erythrocyte-based nanocarriers demonstrated improved circulation times, reduced immune clearance, and enhanced targeting capabilities compared to traditional nanoparticles. Encapsulation of nanoparticles within erythrocyte membranes preserved the functional integrity of the carrier while minimizing systemic toxicity. However, challenges such as membrane stability, hemocompatibility, and the potential for nanoparticle-induced hemoglobin dysfunction were identified as areas requiring further research. In conclusion, erythrocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles represent a unique and promising strategy for drug delivery, combining the natural advantages of red blood cells with the versatility of nanotechnology.

Background: The platelet functionality of cold-stored platelets remains a subject of debate. Our aim was to investigate the effect of temperature on the hemostatic properties of stored platelets. Methods: Ten split pooled platelets stored at cold and at room temperature were evaluated in vitro on storage days 1, 5, 10, and 15 for metabolic, physiological, and vesiculation parameters, as well as their hemostatic profile using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM^®). Results: The integrity profile was better preserved in the cold-stored platelets, as lower lactate dehydrogenase levels were documented (e.g., day 10: 261 ± 46 vs. 572 ± 220 U/L, 4 vs. 22 °C, p = 0.004). A time-dependent decrease in hemostatic capacity was evident regardless of the temperature, but the cold-stored units were linked to shorter clot initiation times and increased elasticity, strength, and firmness parameters, especially during extended storage (e.g., maximum clot firmness, INTEM day 15: 81 ± 2 vs. 19 ± 4 mm, 4 vs. 22 °C, p = 0.0008). Additionally, the aggregation of cold-stored platelets was superior after the addition of any agonist tested. Regarding vesiculation parameters, the extracellular vesicles of the units at 4 °C were characterized by a larger size from day 10 onwards, when they also presented higher procoagulant activity (e.g., phospholipid-dependent clotting time of day 15: 21.4 ± 2.3 vs. 25.0 ± 3.0 s, 4 vs. 22 °C, p = 0.016). Conclusion: Our results indicate that cold-stored platelets perform better than those stored at room temperature, demonstrating superior clot formation and stability. This suggests that cold storage may more effectively preserve platelet function, potentially offering advantages for transfusion therapy and the extension of shelf-life. However, the clinical relevance of these findings requires further investigation.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection has nowadays become a chronic disease, due to the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which has improved both life expectancy and quality of life of patients with HIV but has also led to the emergence of previously unrecognized complications. Thromboembolic events constitute a serious and frequent comorbidity in patients with HIV. The thrombogenic potential of HIV infection is multifactorial and is attributed to persistent chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and ART itself, mainly through the resulting metabolic alterations. Co‑infections and gut microbe translocation observed in patients with HIV, also maintain the inflammatory prothrombotic microenvironment. Individuals with HIV are at higher risk for venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular disease, compared with general population. Among patients with HIV, those receiving specific ART regimens have a significant higher risk for myocardial infraction. HIV infection is also involved in other coagulation disorders, such as heparin‑induced thrombocytopenia and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Therapeutic choices do not differ from individuals without HIV but should be cautiously administered due to drug interactions. Further studies are required in order to fully understand the pathophysiological mechanisms involved and develop new treatment options for patients with HIV.

Mature erythrocytes are traditionally regarded as anucleate cells lacking nuclear DNA. However, evidence shows they retain residual genetic material, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and RNA fragments. This review explores the role of such genetic material in cellular function, diagnostics, and erythropoiesis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on (i) erythropoiesis, (ii) enucleation of erythroid precursors, (iii) the presence of DNA in red blood cells (RBCs), and (iv) RNA fragments such as messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and other non-coding RNAs. Mature RBCs harbor small amounts of DNA and diverse RNA species. Residual DNA can act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), triggering immune responses when released under stress or injury. RNA fragments reflect the transcriptional activity of precursor cells and have been linked to potential diagnostic applications. Studies suggest that RBC-derived RNA signatures may serve as non-invasive biomarkers for diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and hematological disorders. These profiles mirror changes in erythropoiesis and provide insights into systemic pathophysiology. Residual genetic material in RBCs extends their role beyond oxygen transport. It contributes to immune modulation and may provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities, enhancing disease detection and understanding of erythropoiesis.

Microvesicles (MVs) are extracellular vesicles released from many cell types under physiological and pathological conditions, influencing viral transmission, immune regulation, and inflammation. This exploratory pilot study characterized and compared plasma MV profiles in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Plasma samples (n = 125; HIV: 25, HBV: 50, HCV: 50) were analyzed using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NanoSight NS300) to assess MV size and concentration, classifying them as small (300 nm). Patients with HBV exhibited significantly larger mean MV size compared with both patients with HIV (131.5 ± 14.6 nm vs. 113.1 ± 14.0 nm, p < 0.0001) and HCV (131.5 ± 14.6 nm vs. 118.0 ± 18.5 nm, p = 0.0002). HCV infection showed higher concentrations of large MVs than HIV (p = 0.0022), while total and small MV levels did not differ. No sex-related differences were detected. Distinct MV size distributions appear linked to chronic viral infections, with HBV and HCV showing greater alterations than HIV. MVs may serve as potential biomarkers reflecting infection-associated biological processes; however, mechanistic, or functional roles were not assessed in this study and will require dedicated future investigations in larger controlled studies.