Time Dependent Release of Interleukin-8 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Platelet Concentrate

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Immunology
• Hematology

Background:

• Contaminating white blood cells (WBCs) in stored platelet concentrates (PCs) are a source of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• These cytokines are implicated in transfusion reactions, posing a risk to patient safety.
• Understanding cytokine release kinetics is crucial for optimizing PC storage and transfusion protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from PCs.
• To compare cytokine profiles in PCs prepared using the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and buffy coat (BC) methods.
• To analyze cytokine levels at various time points during a 5-day storage period.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen PCs were prepared using both PRP and BC methods.
• Supernatants were collected aseptically at 1, 18, 65, and 112 hours post-preparation.
• IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations were measured using ELISA, alongside pH, platelet, and WBC counts.

Main Results:

• IL-8 levels increased significantly during storage in both PRP-PCs and BC-PCs.
• BC-prepared PCs exhibited significantly lower IL-8 levels compared to PRP-prepared PCs (P<0.0001).
• TNF-α levels remained low up to 18 hours, with a subsequent increase observed in both PC types.

Conclusions:

• The storage duration significantly impacts IL-8 and TNF-α levels in PCs.
• Buffy coat preparation method yields PCs with lower IL-8 contamination compared to the PRP method.
• Minimizing WBC contamination is critical for reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine release in stored PCs.