Changes in Oxidative Stress Markers in Regular Blood Donors in Togo: Influence of Number of Donations, Gender, and Geographical Context

Background: Regular blood donation is essential for transfusion safety, but it can cause physiological changes related to iron depletion and oxidative stress. In Togo, nutritional and socioeconomic disparities between the Sokodé Regional Blood Transfusion Center (Northern Togo) and the Lomé National Blood Transfusion Center (Southern Togo) could modulate donors' oxidative response. Objective: To evaluate changes in biomarkers of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), according to the number of donations, gender, and geographic region among regular blood donors in Togo. Methodology: Plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) were measured using reference methods in donors classified according to donation frequency (0, 2 – 5, 6 – 10, 11 – 15, 16 – 20, ≥ 21) and geographical area (CRTS vs. CNTS). Averages were calculated for each biomarker, with interregional comparisons using Student's t-test. Results: MDA gradually increases with donation frequency (+ 20 % between 0 and ≥ 21 donations), reflecting an intensification of lipid peroxidation. CAT activity rises slightly up to 10 donations, then stabilizes or decreases, suggesting enzymatic adaptation followed by oxidative fatigue. GSH and FRAP levels gradually decrease (− 10 to – 15 % after 15 donations), reflecting a mobilization of antioxidant defenses. CRTS donors have significantly higher MDA levels and lower FRAP and GSH levels than CNTS donors (p < 0.05 to < 0.001), indicating oxidative vulnerability linked to poor nutritional status. Gender differences are moderate, with women showing a slightly higher antioxidant profile despite having a more pronounced loss of iron. Conclusion: Regular blood donation appears to increase oxidative stress, especially among donors recruited at the CRTS. Monitoring iron status and antioxidant markers, combined with targeted nutritional education, is recommended to preserve the health of regular donors