Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered a new biomarker, kynurenine, that plays a crucial role in determining the quality of stored red blood cells (RBCs). This discovery could lead to more personalized transfusions. The study, led by Professor Angelo D’Alessandro, was published in the journal Blood.
Blood transfusion is one of the most common medical procedures in hospitals, second only to vaccination. The blood supply relies on altruistic blood donors, and donated RBCs are stored in blood banks for up to 42 days before transfusion. However, the criteria for determining the quality of stored RBCs are not well understood. The longevity of RBCs affects their effectiveness, and the researchers aimed to explore how various biomarkers, such as donor age, sex, and BMI, impact the storage of blood.
The results of the study showed that blood with high levels of kynurenine, a metabolite that plays a critical role in the immune response, is more fragile and prone to rupturing. Higher levels of kynurenine indicate a higher likelihood of breakdown. The researchers discovered that the quality of blood is determined not only by the time it is stored but also by donor traits, such as BMI, gender, and age.
According to Professor D’Alessandro, blood transfusion is a vital medical practice, with over 100 million units used annually in life-saving situations. The potential of personalized transfusion medicine is highlighted by this research, as focusing on kynurenine as a biomarker allows for a better understanding and prediction of blood quality, leading to tailored transfusion practices.
Dr. Kirk Hansen of the CU Trauma Research Center also emphasized the importance of blood transfusion for military and trauma patients in the US. This study utilized a shared biobank and database from the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS-III) to analyze cellular data from more than 13,000 diverse donors. It also included a population of over 500 different mouse strains to understand the genetic and biological factors that contribute to blood longevity.
Travis Nemkov, another researcher involved in the study, highlighted the significant connection between kynurenine levels and transfusion outcomes in nearly 5,000 recipients. This underscores the impact of donor-specific traits on transfusion efficacy. Understanding biomarkers that indicate the effectiveness of blood is crucial for ensuring a sustainable future in transfusion medicine.
The researchers also noted similar signatures in extreme physiological stress like ultramarathon running, which causes similar damage to RBCs. This indicates the potential utility of studying the blood donor population in various contexts. The researchers are excited about future work in this field, as it could provide valuable insights and benefits for patients in need of transfusions.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it