Enhanced phosphatidylserine exposure and erythropoiesis in Babesia microti-infected mice

Apoptosis and eryptosis: similarities and differences

Eryptosis is a regulated cell death (RCD) of mature erythrocytes initially described as a counterpart of apoptosis for enucleated cells. However, over the recent years, a growing number of studies have emphasized certain differences between both cell death modalities. In this review paper, we underline the hallmarks of eryptosis and apoptosis and highlight resemblances and dissimilarities between both RCDs. We summarize and critically discuss differences in the impact of caspase-3, Ca2+ signaling, ROS signaling pathways, opposing roles of casein kinase 1α, protein kinase C, Janus kinase 3, cyclin-dependent kinase 4, and AMP-activated protein kinase to highlight a certain degree of divergence between apoptosis and eryptosis. This review emphasizes the crucial importance of further studies that focus on deepening our knowledge of cell death machinery and identifying novel differences between cell death of nucleated and enucleated cells. This might provide evidence that erythrocytes can be defined as viable entities capable of programmed cell destruction. Additionally, the revealed cell type-specific patterns in cell death can facilitate the development of cell death-modulating therapeutic agents.

Histopathological Aspects of the Influence of Babesia microti on the Placentas of Infected Female Rats

Babesiosis is perceived mainly an animal disease; however, awareness that Babesia spp. parasites that can cause diseases in humans is increasing significantly. Babesiosis is spread by the bite of an infected tick (Ixodes spp.), but it can also be transmitted by transfusion of infected blood and from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth. The parasites multiply in the bloodstream and destroy red blood cells. This study aimed to assess the influence of Babesia microti on the histological structure of the placenta. Histopathological material collected from pregnant rats infected with Babesia microti was used in the experiment. Microscopic images of the placentas were assessed by Mallory staining and by using methylene blue-stained semi-thin sections. In addition, FISH was used to detect parasite DNA. The presence of piroplasms in both maternal and fetal vessels was demonstrated. Babesia microti infection caused vacuolization of syncytioblasts and cytotrophoblasts, accumulation of collagen fibers in placental villi, and increased adhesion of erythrocytes to the vascular walls. These results indicate that Babesia may influence the course of pregnancy and invite further research on the mechanism of piroplasm penetration into cells.