Vitamin C mitigates oxidative stress and preserves platelet efficacy during prolonged storage ‒ an in vitro study

Introduction and aim. Platelets stored at 22–24°C beyond 3–5 days undergo oxidative changes leading to storage lesions (PSL). Platelet additive solutions (PAS) improve platelet shelf-life, and antioxidant additives in PAS can mitigate PSL. This in vitro study evaluated the impact of Vitamin C (VC), a potent free radical scavenger, as an antioxidant additive in PAS-SSP+ on the redox status and functional integrity of rat platelets during prolonged storage. Material and methods. Platelets from male Wistar rats (n=5) were grouped into controls (SSP+) and 10-VC (10mM VC in SSP+) and stored at 22–24°C for 11 days. Markers of antioxidant and oxidative status, platelet function and metabolism were investigated on days 1, 4, 7 and 11. Results. Superoxide radicals, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and advanced oxidation protein products were significantly lower in 10-VC than controls. Superoxide dismutase and catalase were maintained whereas, glutathione was higher by 27% (p<0.01) and protein sulfhydryls by 65% (p<0.01) on day 7 than controls. Total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher than controls throughout storage in 10-VC. P-selectin lowered by 58% (p<0.001) on day 7 than controls while aggregation and cell viability were preserved in 10-VC. Conclusion. 10-VC reduced oxidative stress by scavenging reactive species, inhibiting lipid and protein oxidation, augmenting antioxidant capacity, and preserving platelet functions and viability. Thus, VC in SSP+ maintained redox status and improved platelet efficacy, highlighting its potential as an additive in PAS ‘for preserving platelet integrity during prolonged storage.