Research Progress on the Relationship between Red Blood Cell Lifespan and Rheumatic Immune System Diseases

The lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs) is critical for maintaining normal blood circulation and oxygen transport. Rheumatic immune system diseases, however, can disrupt blood system functions through various immune mechanisms, potentially altering RBC lifespan. In recent years, growing evidence suggests that conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) accelerate RBC destruction or modify their lifecycle via autoimmune responses and chronic inflammation. This review examines the relationship between RBC lifespan and rheumatic immune diseases, exploring the mechanisms by which these diseases affect RBC lifespan and their clinical implications. It also summarizes current research findings and technological advancements. Furthermore, the article discusses the potential of RBC lifespan as a biomarker for clinical diagnosis and disease monitoring, aiming to provide theoretical support for early diagnosis and personalized treatment of rheumatic immune diseases.