The effects of acetylcarnitine on the prevention of platelet storage lesions

JOHANNES TRÉ Z. MAQUILING, JOHN MARK E. VILLANUEVA, and ZENNIFER L. OBERIO
Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus, Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute, Philippines


Abstract
Platelet storage lesion is the degradation that platelets experience when stored in an external environment, causing a loss in platelet viability and leading to a shelf life in platelets. This study aims to prevent platelet storage lesion by using preservatives to slow down its effects. The main aim of the study is to compare the effects of l-carnitine, an alternative preservative that lengthens platelet shelf-life from seven (7) to ten (10) days, with its derivative acetylcarnitine in respect to pH, platelet count, platelet volume, and platelet shape change. Three blood bags were used and separated into three setups, with either addition of l-carnitine, acetyl carnitine or saline (control) and stored at 22°C. Platelet count and mean platelet volume were determined by the use of an ABX Micros ES 60 hema-analyzer, and pH was determined by using a pH meter. Platelet morphology was observed by collecting stained samples and observed under a microscope, where regular and irregular platelets were recorded. Due to an anomaly, platelet count was not included in the analysis. One-way analysis of variance for mean platelet volume, pH and morphology did not show significant difference (p>0.05) among the setups, showing that further studies should be done to determine if acetylcarnitine might be a possible preservative for platelets.

Keywords: Platelet storage lesion, L-carnitine, Acetylcarnitine, Preservatives, Platelet viability