The variability of cell-derived microparticles and the age of healthy blood donors

Abstract

Introduction Cell-derived microparticles that promote coagulation can lead to transfusion-related complications. Although age-dependent changes in hemostasis are known, the impact of donor age on microparticle concentration variability remains largely unexplored. We sought to determine microparticle concentrations and investigate their relationship with donor age. Methods Whole-blood samples were collected from volunteers aged 17 to 60years using K<inf>3</inf>EDTA as an anticoagulant. Donors were allocated to 1 of 5 age groups. Flow cytometric analysis and counting beads were used to determine microparticle concentrations and their origins. Results A cross-sectional study of 394 blood donors revealed a mean (SD) total microparticle count of 25693 (1578), 26956 (976), 26979 (989), 24886 (987), and 271331 (1355) particles/µL in blood donors aged 17 to 20, 21 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, and 51 to 60years, respectively. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in the concentrations of red blood cell (RBC)–derived microparticles, platelet-derived microparticles, or leukocyte-derived microparticles among the donor age groups. Linear regression analysis revealed that the r² values between the total microparticle, RBC-derived microparticle, platelet-derived microparticle, and leukocyte-derived microparticle concentrations in whole blood and donor age were less than 0.01. Discussion Our assessment of microparticle concentration across different blood donor age groups revealed age-independent variability in microparticle levels. These findings enhance our understanding of how donor factors influence microparticle values.