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Circulating monocyte-platelet aggregates are an early marker of acute myocardial infarction

M I Furman1, M R Barnard, L A Krueger

  • 1Center for Platelet Function Studies, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA. Mark.Furman@umassmed.edu

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|October 5, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Elevated monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPA) can identify acute myocardial infarction (AMI) early. This blood marker detects plaque rupture and thrombus formation before myocardial cell death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Current acute myocardial infarction (AMI) markers indicate myocardial cell death.
  • Earlier pathophysiological events like plaque rupture and thrombus formation are not reflected by standard markers.
  • Circulating monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPA) form subsequent to platelet activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if elevated circulating monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPA) can serve as an early diagnostic marker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Main Methods:

  • Whole blood flow cytometry was used to measure circulating MPA in 211 patients presenting with chest pain.
  • Patients were enrolled between October 1998 and November 1999.
  • Acute myocardial infarction diagnosis was confirmed by elevated CK-MB fraction.

Main Results:

  • Patients with AMI exhibited significantly higher circulating MPA levels compared to those without AMI (11.6 vs. 6.4, p < 0.0001).
  • Higher quartiles of MPA were associated with increased odds of AMI, even after age adjustment.
  • MPA levels were higher in AMI patients presenting within 4 hours of symptom onset.
  • A significant proportion of AMI patients (57%) showed elevated MPA despite normal creatine kinase isoenzyme levels upon presentation.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPA) represent a promising early biomarker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
  • MPA detection may aid in the early identification of AMI, potentially before traditional markers become elevated.

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