Evaluation of mitochondrial DNA during platelet storage prepared by platelet rich plasma

Platelet activation occurs for a variety of reasons from the moment of sampling to that of injection. Activation of the platelets leads to activation of mitochondria. They move toward the membrane, sprouting and shedding freely from it, leading to the release of pro inflammatory mediators and mtDNA. Therefore, mtDNA level is considered as one of the parameters of platelet activity. The aim of this study was to compare mtDNA levels during storage.

This experimental study was performed on 22 PRP products. We obtained consent of all donors referring to Iran Innovation Center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. Samples were taken from the PRP bags on day 1, 3 and 5. Then, the fold change of mtDNA was assessed by Real time PCR. The results were analyzed by paired t-test and the P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

The rate of mtDNA decreased 0.8-fold on day 3 to 1, 0.6-fold on day 5 to 3, and 0 .49 on day 5 to 1. These changes were significant on days 5 to 1 (p= 0.003) and they were not significant on days 3 to 1 (p= 0.4). 

Conclusions  

The amount of mtDNA increased on the first day, and then decreased during the storage of  PRP products.