Synergistic activity of vitamin-C and vitamin-E to ameliorate the efficacy of stored erythrocytes

Abstract

Erythrocytes are exposed to oxidative stress during storage and can be stored for up to 42days (in AS-7) under blood bank conditions for transfusion. Vitamin-C and Vitamin-E have proved beneficial in diminishing oxidative stress. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the combined effects of Vitamin-C and Vitamin-E on erythrocytes during storage. Blood was collected from male Wistar rats and erythrocytes were isolated and stored in AS-7 (Additive Solution) at 4°C for 35days. Erythrocytes were grouped into i) Controls and ii) Experimentals [Vitamin-C (10mM) and Vitamin-E (2mM)]. Antioxidant and oxidative stress markers were assessed at weekly intervals. Statistical analyses were performed by using GraphPad Prism software. Hemoglobin increased on days 7 and 14 in the Experimentals. Superoxide dismutase activity elevated on days 7 & 14 in Controls and on day 7 in Experimentals. Catalase activity increased on day 21 in both groups. Protein carbonyls decreased on days 21 and 28 in Experimentals. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances decreased from day 14 in both groups. Conjugate dienes decreased on days 21 & 35 in the Experimentals. Glutathione increased from day 14 in both groups. Superoxides decreased on days 14, 28 & 35 in Controls and from day 14 in Experimentals. Vitamin-C and Vitamin-E have been beneficial in terms of hemoglobin, antioxidants, protein & lipid oxidations and superoxides in stored erythrocytes. Therefore, this study provides new avenues for the development of effective storage solutions which will have a clinical impact in erythrocyte transfusions.