Effect of leukoreduction on the omics phenotypes of canine packed red blood cells during refrigerated storage

Abstract Background Red blood cell (RBC) storage promotes biochemical and morphological alterations, collectively referred to as storage lesions (SLs). Studies in humans have identified leukoreduction (LR) as a critical processing step that mitigates SLs. To date no study has evaluated the impact of LR on metabolic SLs in canine blood units using omics technologies. Objective Compare the lipid and metabolic profiles of canine packed RBC (pRBC) units as a function of LR in fresh and stored refrigerated (up to 42 days) units. Animals Packed RBC units were obtained from 8 donor dogs enrolled at 2 different Italian veterinary blood banks. Study Design and Methods Observational study. A volume of 450 mL of whole blood was collected using Citrate‐Phosphate‐Dextrose‐Saline‐Adenine‐Glucose‐Mannitol (CPD‐SAGM) transfusion bags with a LR filter to produce 2 pRBC units for each donor, without (nLR‐pRBC) and with (LR‐pRBC) LR. Units were stored in the blood bank at 4 ± 2°C. Sterile weekly samples were obtained from each unit for omics analyses. Results A significant effect of LR on fresh and stored RBC metabolic phenotypes was observed. The nLR‐pRBC were characterized by higher concentrations of free short and medium‐chain fatty acids, carboxylic acids (pyruvate, lactate), and amino acids (arginine, cystine). The LR‐pRBC had higher concentrations of glycolytic metabolites, high energy phosphate compounds (adenosine triphosphate [ATP]), and antioxidant metabolites (pentose phosphate, total glutathione). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Leukoreduction decreases the metabolic SLs of canine pRBC by preserving energy metabolism and preventing oxidative lesions.