Red blood cell microvesicles: a storage lesion or a possible salvage mechanism

Abstract

Erythrocyte concentrates are the major labile blood products used for transfusion worldwide. Erythrocyte concentrates are stored at 4°C for up to 42-49 days in additive solutions. This storage induces cellular lesions, which include alterations in red blood cell (RBC) metabolism, protein content and rheological properties. The impact of these storage lesions is intensely debated, because transfusionrelated clinical adverse outcomes have been associated with the age of erythrocyte concentrates. Although altered red blood cell metabolism and early rheological changes are reversible with one transfused, oxidized proteins cannot be repaired. Thus, some irreversible damage might affect the quality of the blood product and the efficiency of the transfusion. In vivo, red blood cells are constantly exposed to oxygen fluxes but are well equipped to deal with oxidative challenges. Moreover, erythrocytes can eliminate oxidized proteins by capturing them in microvesicles, which are subsequently shed into the medium. This review discusses some biochemical aspects of RBC storage and microvesiculation.

Vesiculation of Red Blood Cells in the Blood Bank: A Multi-Omics Approach towards Identification of Causes and Consequences

“…These sampling times were selected mostly based on previous observations showing that most irreversible changes in morphology occur around 21 days of storage [ 1 ]. We found a considerable increase in the concentration of RBC-derived MVs during storage from 4300 ± 1000 MVs/μL in week one and 7400 ± 5400 MVs/μL in week three to 25,400 ± 17,600 MVs/μL in week five, confirming previous observations, also regarding the large interindividual variation [ 1 , 10 , 15 ]. Detailed electron microscopic analysis showed that the MVs became smaller with storage time, from a diameter of approximately 160 nm after week one and three to approximately 145 nm after five weeks of storage.…”

“…During the storage of RBC concentrates in the blood bank, the number of microvesicles increases strongly, especially between three to five weeks [1,10,15]. Our morphological analyses show high heterogeneity in the size and shape of these microvesicles at all time points, and that their morphology changes with storage time (Figure 1).…”

“…Proteomes 2020, 5, x 4 of 16 [1,10,15]. Detailed electron microscopic analysis showed that the MVs became smaller with storage time, from a diameter of approximately 160 nm after week one and three to approximately 145 nm after five weeks of storage.…”

“…Associated-and possibly causative-processes are the accumulation of oxidized proteins and lipids, increased protein breakdown, depletion of ATP, alterations in ion concentrations, and disturbed phospholipid organization [14]. All these phenomena are accompanied by the formation of microvesicles [15,16], making microvesicle generation an important consequence of RBC aging in vitro.…”

The potential effect of leukocyte filtration methods on erythrocyte-derived microvesicles: One step forward

“…4 During storage, erythrocytes undergo a variety of detrimental oxidative, biochemical, and biomechanical alterations collectively denoted as "hypothermal storage lesions". [5][6][7] Exposure to various stressors makes erythrocytes susceptible to destruction, hemolysis, and several membrane alterations, which end up with the formation of microvesicles (MVs). 2,6 MVs are submicron membrane-covered particles heterogeneous in size (50 nm-1 µm) and originated from different cells under various circumstances in health and disease.…”