Stem cell researchers have shown how frequent blood donations shape the genetic background of blood cells. They found that peripheral leucocytes of individuals with over 100 lifetime blood donations carry certain mutations in the DNMT3A gene compared with individuals who donated less than 10 times in their lifes. These mutations in the hematopoietic stem cells make the cells more susceptible to stimulation by EPO, a growth factor that stimulates growth of new erythrocytes.
Preleucemic cells on the other hand often carry DNMT3A mutations that make the stem cells susceptible to stimulation by proinflammatory molecules.
In summary, frequent blood donations select blood stem cells with certain mutations for differentiation.
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38 sats \ 1 reply \ @south_korea_ln 3 Apr
100 blood donations! That's a lot. I used to give regularly but would be 2-3 times a year. One would have to do that consistently over 30 years. Commendable!
So, are these considered useful mutations?
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21 sats \ 0 replies \ @02a9a61fdc OP 3 Apr
They analysed the blood of persons over 60. So the amount of donations accumulated over a lifetime. But you are right, they had to donate several times for many decades.
I guess in a certain context these mutations are useful. After blood loss EPO stimulates the growth of new red blood cells. So if they lost a lot of blood these individuals probably had a slight advantage because their body would form new blood cells faster compared to the controls.
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