Stored platelet hemostatic phenotype and function is not altered when donors are on testosterone replacement therapy

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Endocrinology

Background:

• National blood supply faces critical shortages, prompting exploration of alternative donor sources.
• Red blood cells from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) donors are conditionally approved for transfusion.
• Platelets from TRT donors are not approved due to limited safety and function data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively profile the phenotype and function of platelets from TRT donors compared to controls.
• To assess the impact of supraphysiologic testosterone on platelet characteristics relevant to transfusion.

Main Methods:

• Collected platelets from TRT and control donors (N=10/group, age/sex-matched).
• Analyzed platelet count, metabolic parameters, surface receptors, aggregation, thrombin generation, and thrombus formation over 7 days of storage.
• Compared D1 and D7 results for both groups.

Main Results:

• TRT donor platelets showed no significant differences from controls in count, phenotype, metabolism, aggregation, or thrombin generation.
• Both groups exhibited reduced hemostatic function by Day 7 compared to Day 1.
• No significant difference in thrombus formation under arterial flow conditions.

Conclusions:

• Platelets from TRT donors possess similar phenotypic and functional profiles to control donor platelets.
• Therapeutic phlebotomy of TRT donors presents a potential source for platelet products.
• Further research may support the use of TRT-derived platelets to alleviate blood shortages.