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Effects of biological variations on platelet count in healthy subjects in China
Liming Peng1, Jing Yang, Xiaojun Lu
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, P.R. of China. penglim2002@yahoo.com.cn
Insights
Biological variations significantly impact platelet counts in healthy adults. Geographical location, season, and lipid levels influence platelet count and mean platelet volume, affecting bleeding times.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Biomedical Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) are crucial hematological parameters.
- Understanding biological variations affecting these parameters is essential for accurate health assessments.
- Previous studies have indicated potential influences of geography and season on blood cell counts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of biological variations on platelet counts and MPV in healthy Chinese adults.
- To explore the relationship between platelet counts, MPV, and factors like geography, season, and lipid profiles.
- To assess potential correlations with platelet-associated immunoglobulin G (PA-IgG), reticulated platelet ratio, and bleeding time.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 694 healthy subjects aged 18–60 years across three Chinese cities (Chengdu, Suzhou, Harbin).
- Analysis of platelet counts, MPV, PA-IgG, reticulated platelet ratio, bleeding time, and lipid profiles (HDL, cholesterol, triglycerides).
- Statistical comparisons were made based on geographical location, season, and platelet count groups (low vs. normal).
Main Results:
- Significant geographical variations in platelet counts and MPV were observed, with lower counts and higher MPV in Chengdu and Suzhou compared to Harbin.
- Seasonal variations showed higher platelet counts and lower MPV in summer versus winter in Chengdu.
- Elevated PA-IgG and reticulated platelet ratio were found in low platelet count groups, alongside longer bleeding times and lower HDL levels.
Conclusions:
- Platelet counts and MPV are significantly influenced by geographical location and seasonal changes in healthy individuals.
- Biological variations, including lipid profiles, play a role in determining platelet count and associated parameters.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering biological variations in the interpretation of platelet count results.
Abstract:
The effects of biological variations on platelet counts were investigated in 694 healthy subjects aged 18 to 60 years living in three cities including Chengdu (Sichuan Province), Suzhou (Jiangsu Province) and Harbin (Heilongjang Province) in China. Platelet counts in healthy subjects were significantly lower in Chengdu (52-202 x 10(9)/L) and Suzhou (60-259 x 10(9)/L) than in Harbin (154-348 x 10(9)/L) (p <0.0001), but the mean platelet volume (MPV) determined concurrently was negatively correlated with platelet count, the MPV values were significantly higher in Chengdu (11.8-15.6 fl) and Suzhou (10.9-15.8 fl) than in Harbin (9.5 approximately 12.9 fl) (p < 0.0001). Platelet counts were significantly higher in summer (73-289 x 10(9)/L) than in winter (52-202 x 10(9)/L) (p <0.0001), but the MPV values were lower in summer (11.2-14.7 fl) than in winter (11.8-15.6 fl) (p <0.05) in Chengdu. Platelet associated immunoglobulin (PA-IgG) in Chengdu was revealed to be significantly higher in the low platelet count group (<150 x 10(9)/L, 13.5 +/- 7.1 ng/10(7) PLT) than in the normal platelet count group (> or =150 x 10(9)/L, 8.3 +/- 2.7 ng/10(7) PLT) (p <0.0001). Similar results were observed in Suzhou for the reticulated platelet ratio, which was significantly higher in the low platelet count group (19.5 +/- 7.1%) than in the normal platelet count group (11.6 +/- 2.7%) (p <0.01). The bleeding time in Chengdu showed a significantly longer time in the low platelet count group (8.6 +/- 2.3 min) than in the normal platelet count group (6.0 +/- 1.2 min)(p <0.01). With regard to the effects of lipids on platelet counts, the HDL values were significantly higher in the normal platelet count group (1.60 +/- 0.76 mmol/L) than the low platelet count group (1.23 +/- 0.31 mmol/L) (p <0.01); but no significant differences in cholesterol and triglycerides values between the normal and low platelet count groups (p >0.05) were recorded. These findings suggest that the platelet counts could be greatly influenced in healthy subjects by biological variations such as geographical, seasonal, and lipid variations.
