Aim

To determine the effects of Vitamin C (VC-ascorbic acid) as an additive on erythrocytes of stored blood.

Background

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a major role in the formation of storage lesion of erythrocytes. Antioxidants, such as VC could be beneficial in combating oxidative damage during storage.

Materials and methods

Blood obtained from male Wistar rats was stored at 4°C in anticoagulant solution citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine solution. Blood samples were divided into 3 groups – (i) Controls, (ii) VC 10 (VC at a concentration of 10mM), (iii) VC 30 (VC at a concentration of 30mM). Markers of OS in erythrocytes such as – hemoglobin, superoxides, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase), hemolysis, lipid peroxidation products (conjugate dienes and malondialdehyde), protein oxidation products and ascorbic acid were determined on days 0, 10 and 15 of storage.

Results

Addition of ascorbic acid to the storage solution contributed to the protection of erythrocytes from oxidative damage. Ascorbic acid at a concentration of 30mM decreased SOD levels and increased protein sulfhydryls (P-SH) levels on day 15 showing that higher concentration supplemented the inherent antioxidant defense system of erythrocytes during blood storage.

Conclusion

VC proved to be effective in combating OS during blood storage. However, further exploration of antioxidants as additives and the erythrocyte storage lesion would result in better management of blood storage.