The effects of various antioxidants on lipid peroxidation in stored whole blood

Since the introduction of acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) in 1947 to anticoagulate and preserve whole blood for transfusion, various other improved nutrient formulas have been introduced that have significantly increased the viability and lifespan of stored erythrocytes. More recently, several studies involving lipid peroxidation have been reported in an attempt to understand alternative mechanisms that might lead to a further increase in red cell viability and extend the storage life of whole blood. In the current study, the effects of a variety of substances are reported whose antioxidant mechanisms differ; they include the transition metals manganese and zinc, the metal chelator phytic acid, and the free radical scavengers N-acetylcysteine, mannitol, uric acid, 1,3 dimethyluric acid, and quercetin. All but N-acetylcysteine, uric acid, and phytic acid were consistently effective in decreasing lipid peroxidation in stored red cells.