Role of extracellular mitochondria in adverse transfusion reactions – A prospective study

For platelet transfusion, it is necessary to prepare, store and maintain platelet concentrates. Platelets concentrates have a short shelf life and must be conserved at ambient temperature – ideal for bacterial growth. Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates represents the major cause of morbidity and mortality in transfusion. However, the bacterial agent causing these effects remains to identify, and the platelets themselves might secrete inflammatory mediators promoting adverse reactions. Recently, we found that platelets release their mitochondria in the extracellular milieu during storage in platelet concentrates serving for transfusion (findings protected by a patent held by Université Laval). Mitochondria are thought to originate from the endosymbiosis of proteobacterium (Alphaproteobacterium Rickettsia prowazekii) during the development of the eukaryotic cells. We thus hypothesized that mitochondria might be the causal agent behind the transfusion inflammatory reactions. In this study, we aim to verify the presence of mitochondria and mitochondrial derived molecules in the transfused platelet concentrates in a prospective cohort study in order to link these prospective biomarkers with adverse effects. Our goal is to determine whether our simple tests can serve to assess platelet quality to limit transfusion adverse reactions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Éric Boilard

Student:

Partner:

Héma-Québec (Montreal)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology; Pharmaceuticals

University:

Université Laval

Program: