S-nitrosylation therapy

S-nitrosylation therapy is an investigational approach developed by James D. Reynolds and colleagues at Case Western Reserve University to address the functional deficits in banked blood, often referred to as the storage lesion. During storage, red blood cells (RBCs) lose S-nitrosohemoglobin (SNO-Hb), a modified form of hemoglobin that is essential for hypoxic vasodilation and the efficient delivery of oxygen to tissues. The therapy involves treating stored RBCs with S-nitrosylating agents (such as ethyl nitrite) to restore SNO-Hb levels, thereby enhancing the ability of transfused cells to dilate blood vessels and unload oxygen in the microcirculation. In clinical trial NCT03999229, this was tested by administering an S-nitrosylating agent via inhalation concurrently with an autologous blood transfusion to improve tissue oxygenation and prevent transfusion-related complications.

Other names

S-nitrosylated red blood cellsSNO-modified red blood cellsS-nitrosylation of red blood cellsSNO-Hb restoration therapy