Blood preservation XLIV. 2,3-DPG maintenance by dehydroascorbate better than D-ascorbic acid

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hematology
• Blood Preservation

Background:

• Red blood cell (RBC) metabolism is critical for oxygen delivery.
• Maintaining RBC viability during storage is essential for transfusion medicine.
• Ascorbate derivatives are investigated for their potential impact on RBC preservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of D-ascorbate and dehydroascorbate on RBC metabolism during blood storage.
• To evaluate the impact of these compounds on 2,3-DPG and ATP levels.
• To assess changes in pH during storage with different ascorbate forms.

Main Methods:

• Red blood cells were stored using different preservatives.
• Concentrations of 2,3-DPG and ATP were measured over a six-week storage period.
• pH levels were monitored throughout the storage duration.

Main Results:

• Dehydroascorbate maintained or increased 2,3-DPG levels, exceeding normal ranges initially and normalizing by six weeks.
• D-ascorbate led to a gradual decrease in 2,3-DPG levels, reaching approximately 80% of normal by six weeks.
• Both dehydroascorbate (5 and 10 mM) and D-ascorbate (10 mM) adversely affected ATP levels, with dehydroascorbate showing a more pronounced negative impact.
• The control CPD-adenine preservative maintained near-normal ATP levels throughout storage.
• Initial pH was slightly lower with dehydroascorbate compared to other preservatives.

Conclusions:

• Dehydroascorbate demonstrates a beneficial effect on 2,3-DPG levels during blood storage.
• Both D-ascorbate and dehydroascorbate negatively impact RBC ATP levels, with dehydroascorbate being more detrimental.
• CPD-adenine serves as an effective control for maintaining ATP levels during storage.