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Effects of L‐carnitine on the erythrocytes of stored human blood
Author(s) -
Ravikumar Soumya,
Prabhu Srinivasa,
Vani Rajashekaraiah
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
transfusion medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1365-3148
pISSN - 0958-7578
DOI - 10.1111/tme.12645
Subject(s) - haemolysis , erythrocyte fragility , oxidative stress , carnitine , antioxidant , lipid peroxidation , ascorbic acid , chemistry , biochemistry , oxidative phosphorylation , food science , hemolysis , medicine , biology , immunology
SUMMARY Objectives This study aimed to assess the effects of L‐carnitine on oxidative stress in human erythrocytes during storage. Background Using antioxidants as components of blood storage solutions may combat the effects of storage‐induced oxidative stress on erythrocytes. Methods Blood from male adults was stored at 4 °C for 55 days in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine solution, without L‐carnitine (Control) and with L‐carnitine as an additive (at concentrations of 10, 30 and 60 mM – Experiments). Every fifth day, erythrocyte markers (morphology, count, haemoglobin, haemolysis and osmotic fragility), antioxidant defences (antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity) and oxidative stress markers (superoxides, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation products) were analysed. Results Oxidative damage was observed in controls (day 25 onwards) and in experiments (day 35 onwards). L‐carnitine (10 and 30 mM) protected erythrocytes from damage up to day 35 by maintaining haemoglobin and lipid peroxidation, assisting antioxidant enzymes and increasing antioxidant capacity by elevating sulfhydryls and ascorbic acid. L‐carnitine was beneficial in prolonging storage up to 55 days but could not prevent oxidative damage completely in terms of haemolysis and osmotic fragility. Conclusions L‐carnitine ameliorated oxidative stress, but combinations with other antioxidants may provide comprehensive protection to erythrocytes during storage.