Role of platelets in the development of atherosclerosis

Platelets are blood cell fragments that originate from the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and circulate in blood to play a major role in the hemostatic process and in thrombus formation after an endothelial injury. Recent studies have provided insight into platelet functions in inflammation and atherosclerosis. A range of molecules, present on the platelet surface and/or stored in platelet granules, contributes to the cross-talk of platelets with other inflammatory cells during the vascular inflammation involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This review discusses the nature of these molecules and the mechanisms involved in the participation of platelets in atherosclerosis, with emphasis on P-selectin, platelet-monocyte interactions, chemokines, and inflammatory cytokines.