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Updated: Jun 30, 2025
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Adverse effects of microparticles on transfusion of stored red blood cell concentrates
Jie Yang1, Yiming Yang1, Li Gao1
1Shanghai Institute of Blood Transfusion, Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Systemic and pulmonary coagulopathy and inflammation are important characteristics of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Whether microparticles that accumulate in transfused red blood cell concentrates (RBCs) have proinflammatory and procoagulant potential and contribute to adverse reactions of RBC transfusions is unclear.
Aim:
To investigate the ability of microparticles in stored RBCs to promote thrombin generation and induce human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) activation and damage.
Methods:
The number and size of microparticles were determined by flow cytometric and nanoparticle tracking analyses, respectively. Thrombin generation and the intrinsic coagulation pathway were assayed by a calibrated automated thrombogram and by measuring activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), respectively. The expression of ICAM-1 and the release of cytokines by endothelial cells were detected by flow cytometric analyses. HMVEC damage was assessed by incubating lipopolysaccharide-activated endothelial cells with MP-primed polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs).
Results:
The size of the microparticles in the RBC supernatant was approximately 100-300 nm. Microparticles promoted thrombin generation in a dose-dependent manner and the aPTT was shortened. Depleting microparticles from the supernatant of RBCs stored for 35 days by either filtration or centrifugation significantly decreased the promotion of thrombin generation. The expression of ICAM-1 on HMVECs was increased significantly by incubation with isolated microparticles. Furthermore, microparticles induced the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) from HMVECs. Microparticles induced lipopolysaccharide-activated HMVEC damage by priming PMNs, but this effect was prevented by inhibiting the PMNs respiratory burst with apocynin.
Conclusion:
Microparticles in stored RBCs promote thrombin generation, HMVEC activation and damage which may be involved in TRALI development.
Insights
Microparticles in stored red blood cell (RBC) concentrates promote blood clotting and activate lung endothelial cells, potentially contributing to transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). This study investigated their procoagulant and proinflammatory effects.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is characterized by coagulopathy and inflammation.
- The role of microparticles in stored red blood cell (RBC) concentrates in TRALI pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if microparticles from stored RBCs can promote thrombin generation.
- To investigate the ability of these microparticles to activate and damage human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs).
Main Methods:
- Microparticle quantification and sizing using flow cytometry and nanoparticle tracking analysis.
- Assays for thrombin generation (calibrated automated thrombogram) and coagulation (aPTT).
- Assessment of HMVEC activation (ICAM-1 expression, cytokine release) and damage (primed polymorphonuclear neutrophils).
Main Results:
- Microparticles (100-300 nm) in RBC supernatant promoted dose-dependent thrombin generation and shortened aPTT.
- Depleting microparticles reduced procoagulant activity.
- Microparticles increased ICAM-1 expression, IL-6, and IL-8 release from HMVECs.
- Microparticles induced HMVEC damage via PMN activation, preventable by inhibiting PMN respiratory burst.
Conclusions:
- Microparticles in stored RBCs possess procoagulant and pro-inflammatory properties.
- These microparticles activate and damage HMVECs, suggesting a role in TRALI development.
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