Influence of AS-7 on the storage lesion in young and old circulating erythrocytes

Blood and its components are stored to meet the demands of blood transfusion. Erythrocytes undergo progressive modifications during storage known as storage lesions. Storage solutions were developed to improve shelf life and extend red cell viability. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the effects of AS-7 on young and old erythrocytes during storage. Blood was collected from the blood bank at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) hospital, Bengaluru. Erythrocytes were isolated from whole blood and separated based on its age using Percoll density gradient. The young and old erythrocytes were stored in AS-7 for 35 days and every 5th day, oxidative stress markers - Hemoglobin (Hb), Oxidative Hemolysis, Mechanical Fragility, Sialic Acid, Superoxides, Glucose, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Glutathione, antioxidant capacity (TAC_CUPRAC), Plasma Membrane Redox System (PMRS), antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation products were assessed. Hb, glucose, TAC_CUPRAC, and superoxide dismutase reduced, while oxidative hemolysis, mechanical fragility, protein oxidation, and lipid peroxidation products increased in young and old cells over storage. LDH, PMRS, catalase, advanced oxidation protein products, and conjugate dienes were significant in old cells from day 5 itself, whereas in young cells towards the end of storage (from day 25). Oxidative insult was higher in old cells compared to young cells. AS-7 was beneficial to young erythrocytes during storage and thus laying the foundation for the possibilities of utilizing young cells as models for storage studies.