MicroRNA Dysregulation Associated with Red Blood Cell Storage

Abstract

Introduction: Stored red blood cells (RBCs) undergo storage lesions involving morphological, physiological and biochemical changes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important functions in cell apoptosis and life processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore potential roles of miRNAs in the damage of stored RBCs. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 13 healthy male O-type donors, and leuko-reduced RBCs were divided into fresh RBC group and 20-day storage RBC group. Results: Eight predicted miRNAs with modified expressions with an intersection ≥ 3 were found dysregulated in the 20-day storage RBC group and involved in apoptosis and senescence signaling pathway: miR-31-5p, miR-196a-5p, miR-203a, miR-654-3p and miR-769-3p were increased, while miR-96-5P, miR-150-5P and miR-197-3p were decreased. Evidence associating miR-31-5p, miR-203a, miR-654 and miR-769 to RBCs or blood in general are not available. Conclusions: Dysregulated miRNAs might represent potential biomarkers to identify storage lesions, and their detection might help to evaluate the quality of stored RBCs.