The susceptibility of erythrocytes to oxidation during storage of blood: Effects of melatonin and propofol

We investigated the effects of melatonin and propofol in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity of erythrocytes in stored bloods. Donated blood was taken into three citrate–phosphate–dextrose containing blood bags. One bag was used as control, the others were added either melatonin or propofol. Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity and their sensitivity to in vitro oxidation were measured on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28. In control group, erythrocyte malondialdehyde levels and sensitivity to in vitro oxidation were increased whereas glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels were decreased. Melatonin prevented malondialdehyde accumulation and preserved glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels. Propofol preserved glutathione and glutathione peroxidase levels but did not affect catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. We showed that melatonin in stored blood could prevent lipid peroxidation and increase the resistance of erythrocytes to in vitro oxidation while propofol did not show such effects. ► We investigated protective role of melatonin and propofol in stored erythrocytes. ► Melatonin in stored blood provided partial protection against free radical damage. ► Propofol did not show a protective effect against oxidative stress in stored blood.