Apoptosis as a marker of platelet storage lesion

During storage, platelets may lose their functional capability and structural integrity. This process is often called as "platelet storage lesion" (PSL), which is characterized with changes in morphology, metabolism, membrane structure, and expression of platelet activation and apoptotic markers. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is an energy-dependent physiological mechanism that results in the controlled removal of unwanted or damaged cells. While it has long been attributed exclusively to nucleated cells, many studies demonstrated that apoptosis also occurs in anucleate cells and platelets.

Studies published in MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google scholar are assessed for keywords and 55 articles is cited

The present review article describes the different apoptosis pathways in platelets, while adressing the markers, methods and probes used for evaluating apoptosis in platelet concentrates.

The evaluation of apoptosis can play an important role in identifying the mechanisms involved in platelet storage lesion.