Cytochrome c and resveratrol preserve platelet function during cold storage

Area of Science:

• Biomedical science
• Hematology
• Cellular biology

Background:

• Donated platelets stored at 22°C have a 5-day shelf life due to decreased function and bacterial contamination risk.
• Platelet function decline is linked to reduced mitochondrial function and increased oxidative stress.
• Resveratrol (Res) and cytochrome c (Cyt c) are investigated for their potential to extend platelet viability with hypothermic storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of hypothermic storage (4°C) combined with Resveratrol or cytochrome c on platelet function and viability for up to 10 days.
• To investigate the mechanisms underlying platelet function changes during storage, including mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress.

Main Methods:

• Platelets from 20 donors were pooled and stored at 22°C or 4°C with or without Res (50 μM) or Cyt c (100 μM) for 10 days.
• Measurements included platelet counts, coagulation function (thromboelastography), oxygen consumption, lipid peroxidation, glucose-lactate levels, pH, TCO2, and soluble activation markers (CD62P/PF-4).

Main Results:

• Platelet function significantly diminished at 22°C but was preserved at 4°C for up to 10 days.
• Resveratrol and cytochrome c treatments limited platelet function deterioration at 4°C, an effect not seen at 22°C.
• Cold storage at 4°C prevented detrimental changes in glucose, pH, and lactate levels observed at 22°C. Resveratrol reduced cytosolic ROS at 4°C.

Conclusions:

• Hypothermic storage at 4°C preserves platelet function for up to 10 days.
• Resveratrol and cytochrome c enhance platelet function during cold storage, likely by supporting mitochondrial activity.
• These findings suggest a potential strategy for extending the shelf life of donated platelets.