Objective: Donor erythrocytes are generally stored for 42 days in blood bank and are susceptible to oxidative stress, resulting in storage-associated lesions. An increased oxidative stress may cause adverse effects on cell homeostasis, structure and functions leading to cell death. Hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) is known for its chelating and radical scavenging properties. Though there are studies on HBA as an antioxidant, such storage has not been yet explored under oxidative stress conditions. Therefore, our study concerned the effects of HBA on erythrocytes and their continuous changes during storage. Methods: Erythrocytes were isolated from the whole blood of male Wistar rats, and stored in AS-7 storage solution with or without HBA at 4°C for 42 days. Erythrocyte parameters, OS markers and metabolic features were evaluated on days 1, 14, 28 and 42 of the storage. Results: Hemoglobin levels decreased on days 28 and 42 in the HBA groups. Hemolysis was increased on days 14 and 42 in the both groups. SOD activity elevated at all observation terms in the HBA group. Superoxide contents were decreased on days 14, 28, and 42 in the HBA group. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and protein sulfhydryl groups increased in the HBA samples towards the end of storage. HBA supplement was beneficial in reducing oxidative stress by maintaining endogenous antioxidant protection till day 28. Conclusions: HBA proved to be effective in mitigating storage lesions in erythrocytes. The current study opens new avenues for development of better storage solutions containing antioxidants.
Rajanand et al. (Wed,) studied this question.