Impact of donation frequency on CaSR and TRACP 5b levels in apheresis donors

Background. Apheresis donation, particularly platelet apheresis, exposes donors to citrate anticoagulant, which can cause hypocalcemia and potentially stimulate parathyroid gland activity, measurable through calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) levels. Additionally, hypocalcemia may trigger bone calcium release, increasing the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis, detected through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b) levels. This study aims to examine the relationship between apheresis donation frequency and CaSR and TRACP 5b levels in donors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 57 male apheresis donors from the Blood Transfusion Service of Ngoerah General Hospital and the Indonesian Red Cross in Bali. CaSR and TRACP 5b levels were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0 for Windows to determine the correlation between donation frequency and these biomarkers. Results. The study included 57 male donors with a mean age of 42 years. The median donation frequency was 3 (range: 2–104). Median CaSR and TRACP 5b levels were 10.59 ng/mL (0.43–39.01 ng/mL) and 4.83 U/L (1.0–16.80 U/L), respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between donation frequency and CaSR (p = 0.439) or TRACP 5b (p = 0.084). Conclusion. There is no significant relationship between apheresis donation frequency and CaSR or TRACP 5b levels. These findings suggest that regular apheresis donation does not significantly impact parathyroid function or bone resorption markers in donors. The absence of a significant correlation may be influenced by the small sample size and unmeasured confounding factors. Future studies should include female donors and account for lifestyle and dietary factors.