The effects of acetyl l-carnitine on the prevention of platelet storage lesions

SAMANTHA LAUREN E. ALVAREZ and ZENNIFER L. OBERIO

Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus, Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines


Abstract

Platelet storage lesion is the degradation of platelets when stored in an external environment, causing a loss in platelet viability, in turn, causing their low availability. The aim of the study is to compare the effects of l-carnitine with its derivative acetyl l-carnitine with respect to platelet count, mean platelet volume, pH, and platelet shape change. Three blood bags were used and separated into three setups: l-carnitine, acetyl l-carnitine, and saline, and were stored at 20 to 24oC. Platelet count and mean platelet volume were determined by using a hema-analyzer, and pH was determined by using a pH meter. Platelet morphology was assessed by collecting stained samples and observed under a microscope, where regular and irregular platelets were recorded. One-way ANOVA analysis for mean platelet volume, pH and morphology did not show any significant difference (p>0.05) among the setups, indicating that there is insufficient evidence to conclude that acetyl l-carnitine can be used as a platelet preservative.

Keywords: platelet storage lesions, platelet preservation, l-carnitine, acetyl l-carnitine, platelet storage