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Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Apheresis platelet concentrates contain platelet-derived and endothelial cell-derived microparticles
A Rank1, R Nieuwland, S Liebhardt
1Medizinische Klinik III - Grosshadern, Klinikum der Ludwig Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany. andreas.rank@med.uni-muenchen.de
Background And Objectives:
Microparticles (MP) are membrane vesicles with thrombogenic and immunomodulatory properties. We determined MP subgroups from resting platelets, activated platelets and endothelial cells in donors and apheresis platelet concentrates (PC).
Material And Methods:
MP were double stained with annexin V and CD61 (platelet-derived MP; PMP), P-selectin or CD63 (MP from activated platelets) and CD144 plus E-selectin (endothelial cell-derived MP; EMP) and detected by flow cytometry in platelet donors (n=36) and apheresis PC (n=11; Trima™).
Results:
PC contained MP, mainly from resting platelets [93% (90-95)], and minor fractions of PMP from activated platelets [P-selectin(+) or CD63(+); 4·8% (3·2-7·7) and 2·6% (2·0-4·0)]. Compared to donors, levels of annexin V+ MP, PMP, P-selectin(+) and CD63(+) MP were 1·7-, 2·3-, 8·6- and 3·1-fold higher in PC (all P<0·05). During storage (1-5 days), levels of annexin V+ MP and PMP did not increase, although small increases in the fraction of P-selectin(+) or CD63(+) MP occurred (both P<0·05). PC also contained EMP, which were 2·6- to 3·7-fold enriched in PC compared to donors (P<0·05).
Conclusions:
Transfusion of apheresis PC also results in transfusion of HLA-carrying PMP and EMP. This might counteract the aim of reducing transfused HLA load by leucodepletion. The increases in PMP exposing P-selectin or CD63 reflect mild platelet activation during storage. We conclude that in leucodepleted platelet apheresis using fluidized particle bed technology, MP are harvested mainly from the donor by apheresis. Improvement in apheresis technology might reduce MP load.
Insights
Apheresis platelet concentrates (PC) contain significantly higher levels of microparticles (MP) from both resting and activated platelets, as well as endothelial cells, compared to donors. Apheresis technology may contribute to the elevated MP load, suggesting potential for technological improvements.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microparticles (MP) are membrane vesicles with significant thrombogenic and immunomodulatory roles.
- Understanding MP composition in platelet products is crucial for transfusion safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and characterize distinct microparticle (MP) subgroups originating from resting platelets, activated platelets, and endothelial cells.
- To compare MP levels in apheresis platelet concentrates (PC) with those in healthy donors.
Main Methods:
- MP subgroups were identified using specific markers (annexin V, CD61, P-selectin, CD63, CD144, E-selectin).
- Flow cytometry was employed to detect and quantify MP in platelet donors (n=36) and apheresis PC (n=11).
Main Results:
- Apheresis PC exhibited significantly higher concentrations of total MP, platelet-derived MP (PMP), and endothelial cell-derived MP (EMP) compared to donors.
- Elevated levels of PMP from activated platelets (P-selectin(+) or CD63(+)) were observed in PC, indicating mild activation during storage.
- EMP were notably enriched in apheresis PC, suggesting their capture during the apheresis process.
Conclusions:
- Transfusion of apheresis PC involves the transfer of HLA-carrying PMP and EMP, potentially impacting strategies to reduce HLA load.
- Increased PMP expressing activation markers suggests mild platelet activation during PC storage.
- Current apheresis technology primarily harvests MP from the donor, highlighting opportunities for technological advancements to reduce MP load in platelet products.
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