L-Carnitine as an additive in Tyrode's buffer during platelet storage

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Platelet storage at 22-24°C for 5 days leads to storage lesion, reducing efficacy and safety.
• L-Carnitine, a nonessential amino acid, influences platelet function and oxidative stress by affecting arachidonic acid metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of L-Carnitine on platelet function and oxidative stress during extended storage.
• To evaluate L-Carnitine as a potential additive for improving platelet storage solutions.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rat platelets were stored with varying concentrations of L-Carnitine (10, 50, 100 μmol/l) at 22°C for 12 days.
• Platelet aggregation, adenosine triphosphate secretion, glucose consumption, pH, lipid peroxidation markers (conjugate dienes, TBARS), protein carbonyls, catalase activity, and total antioxidant capacity were analyzed on days 0, 4, 8, and 12.

Main Results:

• L-Carnitine improved platelet metabolism, evidenced by reduced glucose consumption and maintained pH (especially at 50 μmol/l up to day 8).
• While some lipid peroxidation markers increased (LC10, LC100), protein carbonyls were maintained, and catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity increased with L-Carnitine.
• Platelet aggregation decreased (LC100, day 12), but adenosine triphosphate secretion increased in all L-Carnitine groups.

Conclusions:

• L-Carnitine demonstrates beneficial effects on platelet storage, improving metabolism and antioxidant status while reducing lipid peroxidation.
• Platelets supplemented with L-Carnitine can be stored effectively for up to 12 days, with optimal pH maintenance observed up to 8 days at 50 μmol/l.
• Tyrode's buffer containing L-Carnitine shows promise as an effective storage solution for extending platelet viability and function.