{"title":"It’s in your blood: The impact of age, sex, genetic factors and exposures on stored red blood cell metabolism","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Transfusion of packed red blood cell (RBCs) saves millions of lives yearly worldwide, making packed RBCs the most commonly administered drug in hospitals after vaccines. However, not all blood units are created equal. By examining blood products as they age in blood banks, transfusion scientists are gaining insights into the intricacies of human chemical individuality as regulated by biological factors (such as sex, age, and body mass index), genetic and non-genetic factors like environmental, dietary, and other exposures. Here, we review recent literature on this topic, with an emphasis on studies linking genetic traits to the metabolic heterogeneity of blood products, the hemolytic propensity of stored RBCs, and transfusion outcomes in both healthy autologous and non-autologous patients requiring transfusion. Given the role of RBCs as a simplified model of eukaryotic cells, and RBC storage as a medically relevant application modeling erythrocyte responses to oxidant stress, these insights have the potential not only to guide the development of precision transfusion strategies, but also to identify novel mechanisms of RBC metabolic regulation relevant to responses to hypoxia and oxidant stress in human (patho)physiology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49422,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion and Apheresis Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142446215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Haemolysis in red blood cell components is associated with donor ferritin and body mass index status, but not donation frequency","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Whole blood donors who donate more frequency are more likely to develop iron deficiency, which could potentially affect the quality of the red blood cell (RBC) components during storage. Additional donor factors such as sex, age at donation, donor body mass index (BMI), as well as the manufacturing method could also affect RBC component quality, particularly haemolysis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between donation frequency, donor ferritin levels and BMI status on an extensive set of RBC characteristics <em>in vitro</em>, during storage at 2–6 °C for 42 days. A whole blood donation was collected from 787 Australian blood donors, held overnight, before top-and-bottom separation to produce RBC components. RBC components were tested using a panel of <em>in vitro</em> assays. Serum ferritin was tested from a sample taken at the time of donation, and donor demographic data was collected. Haemolysis in RBC components was not found to be associated with donation frequency. Increased red cell haemolysis, lactate concentration, extracellular potassium and RBC-derived microparticle numbers were significantly associated with a high BMI in male donors. There was also a trend towards increased red cell haemolysis in donors with ferritin concentrations in the upper range. Our findings indicate that although older male donors with potentially higher BMI are able to donate whole blood quite frequently, the resultant RBC components may have poorer <em>in vitro</em> quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49422,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion and Apheresis Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142478975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Genetic determinants of plasma testosterone in male blood donors are associated with altered red blood cell characteristics and survival in cold storage and after transfusion","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genetic mutations in genes regulating plasma testosterone in men may interfere with effective erythropoiesis, and may result in red blood cell (RBC) dysfunction and hemolysis. The aim of this study was to identify genetic polymorphisms in male donors that regulate plasma testosterone and impact RBC survival in cold storage and after transfusion. We evaluated nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously reported to be associated with circulating testosterone in male plasma. These SNPs were linked with donor-component-recipient databases (NIH REDS program) to determine SNP associations with donor RBC hematological indices, osmotic and oxidative hemolysis, and RBC transfusion effectiveness defined as adjusted hemoglobin increments (delta hemoglobin, ΔHb) following a single RBC unit transfusion. Four of the nine testosterone SNPs were located on the X chromosome, of which two (rs7057002, rs73629199) were significantly associated with reduced hemoglobin increments (0.2 and 0.3 g/dL, respectively) compared with reference alleles in transfused recipients. Seven of the nine testosterone SNPs were associated with significant changes in RBC susceptibility to osmotic hemolysis including a missense mutation in the major plasma carrier of testosterone (SHBG<em>,</em> rs6259), and four SNPs with changes in oxidative hemolysis. Four SNPs were associated with decreased RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Ancestry/ethnicity-specific (African and Hispanic) associations were observed between two SNPs (rs7057002, rs7879462) and oxidative hemolysis. Genetic determinants of plasma testosterone in male donors significantly impact the quality and transfusion effectiveness of cold stored RBCs. Testosterone SNPs associated with decreased RBC transfusion effectiveness may have clinical implications and warrant further revaluation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49422,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion and Apheresis Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142478973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Donor clinical characteristics and impacts on transfusion recipient outcomes","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Clinical characteristics of blood donors may affect short- and long-term outcomes of transfusion recipients. The impact of donor sex and age on recipient outcomes have not yielded consistent results in observational studies. One recently published randomized controlled trial (iTADS) addressing the impact of donor sex on recipient outcomes noted no differences between a female versus male transfusion strategy; a second Canadian multicenter trial has just been funded. Other donor characteristics - including pregnancy history, smoking status, obesity, and chronic illnesses - remain incompletely explored. More robust clinical studies with vein-to-vein capabilities are needed to understand the complex interplay between donors and recipients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49422,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion and Apheresis Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142548558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sex discrepancies in blood donation: Implications for red blood cell characteristics and transfusion efficacy","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions carry risks, and the mechanisms mediating adverse transfusion outcomes are not fully understood. This review explores the impact of donor sex and donor-recipient sex mismatch on RBC characteristics and transfusion outcomes. Females, at least those in their reproductive age, have a higher proportion of young RBCs in the circulation when compared to males, associated with higher post transfusion recovery. Also, female RBCs exhibit a greater resilience to the storage lesion, with lower hemolysis rates and better rheologic properties. Despite these qualities, transfusion of female RBCs may be associated with adverse transfusion outcomes, such as pulmonary injury, increased mortality, and immunomodulatory effects, which may differ depending on the sex of the recipient, although not all observations are consistent. As a potential mechanism, the presence of immature RBCs, especially reticulocytes, in transfused blood is associated with immunomodulatory effects. Reticulocytes contain residual cellular components which can interact with surrounding blood cells and endothelial cells, in particular in neonates and cancer patients. Understanding the influence of donor sex and RBC age-subpopulation on RBC quality, and investigating the risks and benefits of immature RBCs in transfusions, offers opportunities for optimizing transfusion practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49422,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion and Apheresis Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142446088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"RBC subpopulations in RCCs affected by donor factors","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding red blood cell (RBC) subpopulations is crucial for comprehending donor variability and enhancing transfusion outcomes. This review highlights the significance of RBC subpopulations, focusing on the properties of biologically young and old RBCs and underscores how donor variability impacts transfusion outcomes. The role of senescent RBCs in adverse transfusion reactions and the emerging significance of circulating erythroid cells (CECs) is discussed. RBC aging and the role of oxidative stress and aging mechanisms is highlighted. Changes in RBC flexibility, calcium homeostasis, band 3 protein modifications, membrane microvesiculation, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) levels, and immunological markers like CD47 and CD55 contribute to RBC clearance and erythrophagocytosis. Also, methods of characterizing / separating of biologically young and old RBC subpopulations is introduced. This review emphasizes the importance of RBC subpopulations in understanding donor variability and improving transfusion outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49422,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion and Apheresis Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142478976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Circulating microRNAs and migrasomes: Present and future bullseyes in extracorporeal photopheresis?","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the realms of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), only a few studies have reported the usefulness of circulating microRNAs as predictors of responses. This letter also highlights the putative role of novel organelles termed “migrasomes” in the ECP-triggered immunological responses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49422,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion and Apheresis Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142326719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of temporary storage of cryopreserved cellular therapy products at −80⁰ celsius on cell recovery and viability","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cellular therapy (CT) involving the transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) is a treatment modality for both benign and malignant disorders. All autologous products require cryopreservation while allogeneic product cryopreservation became more common during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Cells are stored in liquid nitrogen (LN<sub>2</sub>) freezers which can malfunction and products may have to be temporarily stored in a mechanical −80 °C freezer if additional LN<sub>2</sub> freezer space is not available. The practice of temporary short-term −80 °C storage is present but there is no study to show that the product is unaffected by the temporary storage at a significantly warmer temperature. In this study, we identified previously collected CT products that were cryopreserved for now-deceased recipients that had remaining cryovials with aliquots of products for quality control purposes. Vials from 20 collections were split into 4 groups of 5 in with one vial placed in temporary storage at −80 °C for 2–5 weeks before returning to LN<sub>2</sub> storage while another vial remained in LN<sub>2</sub> storage for the entire duration of the study. The vials were then simultaneously thawed, processed, and evaluated for total nucleated cell (TNC) and CD34 + cell count and TNC and CD34 + cell viability to determine if there were any differences induced by temporary −80 °C storage. No statistically significant differences were seen after 4 weeks of −80 °C storage; however, after 5 weeks, a statistically significant decrease in TNC viability and viable TNC count, but not CD34 + cell viability and viable CD34 + cell count was observed. These results provide some reassurance to CT processing labs that if there is a failure in their LN<sub>2</sub> storage for cryopreserved products, these products may be safely stored at −80 °C for up to 4 weeks and returned to LN<sub>2</sub> storage without compromising CD34 + cell viability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49422,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion and Apheresis Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142322388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of riboflavin concentrations and light intensities on bacteria reduction in platelets using visible light","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bacterial contamination in platelets has been a major concern over the years. In this study, we showed that treatment with 420 nm visible light with various concentrations of riboflavin in platelets reduced <em>E. coli</em> and <em>S. aureus</em> by 0–1.56 and 0.3–2.02 logs (50 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>), 2.24–4.77 and 0.73–3.26 logs (75 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>), and ≥ 5.14 and ≥ 5.27 logs (100 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>). Treatment with high-intensity light (100 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>) and high concentrations of riboflavin (400 µM and 500 µM) effectively reduced both bacteria in platelets by over 4 logs. The study also found a positive correlation between bacterial reduction and light intensity, as well as riboflavin concentration in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrate the potential of using riboflavin and visible light to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination in platelets, and support the need for further exploration of pathogen reduction using 420 nm visible light and riboflavin.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49422,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion and Apheresis Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1473050224001770/pdfft?md5=36b22dc0c1d7875b4b5d33cf1ffaac74&pid=1-s2.0-S1473050224001770-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142299480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancing clinical insight: Implementing validated questionnaires for comprehensive assessment of clinician expertise in transfusion medicine practices","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.transci.2024.104005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Blood transfusion is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, pivotal in saving countless lives annually. However, inadequate knowledge among healthcare providers can lead to serious complications. Despite the availability of assessment tools like the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) test, there is a need for indigenous-validated questionnaires to address knowledge gaps effectively. This study aimed to evaluate bedside transfusion medicine knowledge among clinical residents using a validated questionnaire, focusing on knowledge gaps.</div></div><div><h3>Study design and methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care referral center in Northern India. The questionnaire, developed based on national and international transfusion guidelines, was validated by an expert panel, and administered to 245 clinical residents. The questionnaire covered six domains related to transfusion medicine: blood component storage, blood bank procedures, transfusion-transmitted infections, administration of blood components, transfusion reactions, and transfusion practices.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study revealed varying levels of knowledge across specialties and residency years. Overall, residents scored 61 % in transfusion medicine knowledge, with Pediatrics residents demonstrating the highest scores. The incremental increase in knowledge from first to third-year residents underscores the value of continuous, experience-based learning throughout the residency period.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Study highlights significant knowledge gaps in bedside transfusion practices among clinical residents, emphasizing the need for structured educational interventions. Tailored programs, integrated into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, are essential to improve transfusion safety and patient outcomes. Addressing these gaps can lead to better bedside transfusion practices, reducing risks and improving the quality of patient care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49422,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion and Apheresis Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142299479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}