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Updated: May 6, 2026

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Isoprostane and isofuran lipid mediators accumulate in stored red blood cells and influence platelet function in
Sherry L Spinelli1, Katie L Lannan, Ann E Casey
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.
Background:
Stored red blood cells (RBCs) release hemoglobin (Hb) that leads to oxidative damage, which may contribute to thrombosis in susceptible transfusion recipients. Oxidative stress stimulates the generation of a new class of lipid mediators called F2 -isoprostanes (F2 -IsoPs) and isofurans (IsoFs) that influence cellular behavior. This study investigated RBC-derived F2 -IsoPs and IsoFs during storage and their influence on human platelets (PLTs).
Study Design And Methods:
F2 -IsoP and IsoF levels in RBC supernatants were measured by mass spectrometry during storage and after washing. The effects of stored supernatants, cell-free Hb, or a key F2 -IsoP, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α ), on PLT function were examined in vitro.
Results:
F2 -IsoPs, IsoFs, and Hb accumulated in stored RBC supernatants. Prestorage leukoreduction reduced supernatant F2 -IsoPs and IsoFs levels, which increased again over storage time. Stored RBC supernatants and 8-iso-PGF2α induced PLT activation marker CD62P (P-selectin) expression and prothrombotic thromboxane A2 release. Cell-free Hb did not alter PLT mediator release, but did inhibit PLT spreading. Poststorage RBC washing reduced F2 -IsoP and IsoF levels up to 24 hours.
Conclusions:
F2 -IsoPs and IsoFs are produced by stored RBCs and induce adverse effects on PLT function in vitro, supporting a potential novel role for bioactive lipids in adverse transfusion outcomes. F2 -IsoP and IsoF levels could be useful biomarkers for determining the suitability of blood components for transfusion. A novel finding is that cell-free Hb inhibits PLT spreading and could adversely influence wound healing. Poststorage RBC washing minimizes harmful lipid mediators, and its use could potentially reduce transfusion complications.
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