Measuring beta-galactose exposure on platelets: Standardization and healthy reference values.

ABSTRACT: Background:Correct diagnosis of the cause of thrombocytopenia is crucial for the appropriate management of patients. Hyposialylation/desialylation (characterized by abnormally high ?-galactose exposure) accelerates platelet clearance and can lead to thrombocytopenia. However, the reference range for ?-galactose exposure in healthy individuals has not been defined previously. Objective:The objective of the present study was to develop a standardized assay of platelet ?-galactose exposure for implementation in a clinical laboratory. Methods:?-Galactose exposure was measured in platelet-rich plasma by using flow cytometry and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA). A population of 120 healthy adults was recruited to study variability. Results:We determined an optimal RCA concentration of 12.5 ?g/mL. The measure was stable for up to 4 hours (mean fluorescence intensity [MFI]-RCA: 1233 ± 329 at 0 hour and 1480 ± 410 at 4 hours). The platelet count did not induce a variation of RCA and the measure of RCA was stable when tested up to 24 hours after blood collection (MFI-RCA: 1252 ± 434 at day 0 and 1140 ± 297 24 hours after blood sampling). To take into account the platelet size, results should be expressed as RCA/forward scatter ratio. We used the assay to study variability in 120 healthy adults, and we found that the ratio is independent of sex and blood group. Conclusion:We defined a normal range in a healthy population and several preanalytical and analytical variables were evaluated, together with positive and negative controls. This assay may assist in the diagnosis of thrombocytopenic diseases linked to changes in ?-galactose exposure.

SUBMITTER: Lasne D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7586713 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature