Evaluation of Erythropoietin Gene Expression in ABO Blood Group Among Donors, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Introduction: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a critical hormone involved in the regulation of red blood cell production, primarily through its action on erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. In Nigeria, haemoglobin estimation has been the only routine hematology parameter used to screen donors before transfusion. Haemoglobin estimation does not reveal the quality of long term blood supply nor reduce the risk of anemia-related complications in donors as assessing the chances of constant EPO secretion via EPO mRNA expression. This study explores the pattern of EPO mRNA expression in ABO blood groups among prospective blood donors in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Method: One hundred and twenty (120) prospective blood Donors were recruited from hospitals within the three LGAs in Ilorin that render blood transfusion services. Questionnaires were administered to collect demographic information, as well as data on lifestyle and drug use. Venous blood was collected from all the donors for serological screening; ABO blood group of prospective donors was determined using a commercially prepared monoclonal Anti sera A, B, and D. Serological estimation of erythropoietin was performed using ELISA. Real-time B Rh positive PCR was used to measure EPO mRNA levels, and Red Blood Cell profile was assayed using Haematology autoanalyzer XN-350. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 27.0, expressed as Mean±SD and frequencies, with statistical significance set at P<0.05.

Results: Blood group O Rh positive (63 participants) and B Rh positive (34 participants) were the most prevalent among the participants. Higher EPO gene expression and serum EPO concentration were observed more in individuals with O Rh positive (p=0.0001) and (p=0.048).

Conclusion: Individuals with blood groups O Rh positive and B Rh positive had higher EPO gene expression, and are likely to be excellent candidates for frequent blood donation. The study highlights the need for further research into genetic factors influencing erythropoiesis gene expression in other blood groups to enhance blood donation safety.