Toxic effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on red blood cells, platelets, and vascular endothelial cells in vitro

Abstract

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used in biological studies as a cryoprotective agent for cells and tissues, and also for cryopreserved platelets (PLTs). However, few data on the toxic effects of DMSO following intravenous infusion of cryopreserved PLTs are available. The aim of this study was to explore dose‐related effects of DMSO on red blood cells (RBCs), PLTs and vascular endothelial cells in vitro. The results showed that DMSO treatments had significant effects on RBCs, affecting osmotic fragility and increasing hemolysis. Free hemoglobin (FHb) level of RBCs was 0.64 ± 0.19 g L−1 after incubation for 6 h with 0.6% DMSO, and these levels were elevated compared with controls (0.09 ± 0.05 g L−1). Aggregation of PLTs induced by adenosine diphosphate, thrombin (THR), and thrombin receptor activator peptide (TRAP) were inhibited by DMSO treatment because the THR generation capacity was reduced. The intensity of the cytosolic esterase‐induced fluorescence response from carboxy dimethyl fluorescein diacetate (CMFDA) in PLTs was decreased about 29% ± 0.04% after treatment with DMSO. DMSO also inhibited the proliferation of the vascular endothelial cell line EAhy926 cells by blocking the G1 phase. Apoptosis of EAhy926 cells with 0.6% DMSO stimulation was increased threefold compared to controls. On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that DMSO was toxic to the hematologic system. This should be taken into account when assessing the infusion effects of cryopreserved PLTs or other blood products requiring DMSO as a vehicle, such as cryopreserved stem cells, in order to avoid adverse therapeutic effects.

Biodegradation of microcystin-LR using acclimatized bacteria isolated from different units of the drinking water treatment plant

“…For example, in vitro toxicity in a retinal neuronal cell line from rats was observed at DMSO concentration higher than 1% (v/v) (Galvao et al 2013). DMSO was also shown to affect red blood cells, platelets and vascular endothelial cells in vitro at a concentration > 0.6% v/v and bacterial strains, such as S.epidermidis and S.paratyphia at a concentration >5% (v/v) (Yi et al, 2017). Another study revealed that DMSO with 0.5%-2% v/v significantly suppressed the expression of many pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (Proost et al, 2016).…”

Histological evaluation of the repair process of replanted rat teeth after storage in resveratrol dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide

“…Although DMSO is an efficient solvent for water‐insoluble compounds and has cryoprotectant action, it has recently been concluded that DMSO is toxic to some tissues . In addition, the topical application may cause inflammatory action such as mild local transient burning, rash and pruritus .…”

“…This is another fact that would contradict the good results of this compound recently brought forward by several authors [34][35][36][37][38][39] Although DMSO is an efficient solvent for water-insoluble compounds and has cryoprotectant action, it has recently been concluded that DMSO is toxic to some tissues. 44 In addition, the topical application may cause inflammatory action 45 such as mild local transient burning, rash and pruritus. 46 Thus, the tissues around the avulsed tooth were probably more sensitive to the toxic effects of DMSO, which may have affected the viability of the periodontal ligament after avulsion and the prognosis of the replanted tooth.…”

A Young Patient with Refractory Multiple Myeloma and Dialysis-Dependent Renal Failure has been Cured by Non-Cryopreserved Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Followed by Live-Related Kidney Transplantation

“…Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used as a cryopresevant agent for various types of stem cells and other body tissues [21]. DMSO has the following adverse effects: skin irritation; garlic breath or body odor; abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; bronchospasm, chest tightness and dyspnea; altered heart rate and blood pressure, arrhythmias, heart block and myocardial ischemia; various degrees of neurotoxicity, renal and hepatic dysfunction and death [20,21]. Also, it has in vitro toxicity in the form of induction of red blood cell hemolysis and reduction in platelet aggregation and activity [21].…”