Related Experiment Videos
Endothelial microparticles as markers of endothelial dysfunction.
Lawrence L Horstman1, Wenche Jy, Joaquin J Jimenez
1Wallace Coulter Platelet Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Fl 33136USA.
Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|February 24, 2004
Summary
Endothelial microparticles (EMP) signal endothelial cell injury. Assays for EMP can distinguish cell activation from apoptosis, aiding diagnosis of thrombotic and inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Endothelial microparticles (EMP) are vesicles released from disturbed endothelial cells (EC).
- EC injury is central to thrombotic and inflammatory conditions.
- Established EC injury markers are often mixtures of soluble molecules and membrane-bound forms like EMP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current assays for EMP as markers of endothelial disturbance.
- To highlight the heterogeneity of EMP and their distinct phenotypic markers.
- To discuss the clinical applications of EMP analysis in various diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on EMP assays and their standardization.
- Analysis of EMP phenotypic differences in activation versus apoptosis.
- Examination of clinical studies reporting EMP levels in disease states.
Main Results:
- EMP assays require standardization due to inter-laboratory variability.
- EMP phenotypes differ based on whether ECs undergo activation or apoptosis.
- Elevated EMP levels are observed in multiple sclerosis, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
Conclusions:
- EMP analysis offers a promising tool for evaluating endothelial injury.
- Distinguishing EMP subtypes can differentiate EC activation from apoptosis.
- Further refinement of EMP assays can improve monitoring of thrombotic and inflammatory disorders.