Effects of Ankaferd Hemostat on red blood cell aggregation: a hemorheological study

Background/aim: Ankaferd hemostat (ABS; Ankaferd blood stopper, Istanbul, Turkey) is a prohemostatic agent affecting erythrocytes. The hemostatic action of ABS depends upon fibrinogen gamma chain, prothrombin, and red blood cells. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of ABS on erythrocyte aggregation via hemorheological analyses. Materials and methods: To measure erythrocyte aggregation, blood samples were obtained from healthy, nonsmoker volunteers who had not taken any medication in the previous 10 days. One mL of blood was placed into the laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer (LORCA), into the chamber formed by the gap between two concentric glass cylinders. The solution prepared with ABS and saline was added to blood in incremental amounts of 10 mu L, 20 mu L, 30 mu L, 40 mu L, 50 mu L, 60 mu L, 70 mu L, and 100 mu L. Erythrocyte aggregation was determined by laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer at 37 degrees C. Results: AMP was found to be 17.7 +/- 2.1 au in the blood without ABS, whereas it was lower in the blood with ABS. AMP was 16.0 +/- 3.3 in the ABS-added blood group. RBC aggregates did not form faster when cells contacted ABS. The t t1/2 value was 4.6 +/- 2.6 in the ABS-added blood group and 1.9 +/- 0.20 in the control group. Aggregation was faster in the control group (P = 0.03). AI, which is a combination of AMP and t1/2, was lowered in the ABS group (48.7 +/- 12.3) compared to the control group (65.8 +/- 1.6) (P = 0.02). It was notable that the gamma Isc max (sec(-1)) value of the control was higher (200 +/- 106) than the ABS-added blood group (141 +/- 51.0). Conclusion: ABS has antierythroid aggregation effect. ABS inhibits pathological aggregation of red blood cells. Antithrombotic clinical effects of ABS may be ascribed to the antierythroid aggregan actions of the drug.