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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
Published on: January 28, 2020
Blood platelet count and reactivity are associated with restenosis 6 months after coronary angioplasty
O Johansen1, M Brekke, I Seljeflot
1Department of Cardiology, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. odjo@uus.no
Insights
Elevated platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) in aortic blood after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) indicate a higher risk of restenosis. This suggests platelets contribute to restenosis development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Restenosis affects 40-50% of patients post-percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is implicated in the pathogenesis of restenosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure plasma PDGF levels in the coronary circulation during PTCA.
- To correlate PDGF levels with the development of post-PTCA restenosis.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous blood sampling from the aortic root and coronary sinus before and after PTCA in 26 patients.
- Measurement of plasma PDGF, beta-thromboglobulin (BTG), and platelet counts.
- Assessment of restenosis via quantitative coronary angiography at 6 months.
Main Results:
- Patients who developed restenosis showed significant increases in aortic root PDGF and BTG post-PTCA compared to those without restenosis.
- Higher platelet counts were observed in patients who developed restenosis.
- Elevated PDGF and BTG in the aortic root post-PTCA were associated with 6-month restenosis.
Conclusions:
- Increased plasma PDGF and BTG in the aortic root after PTCA serve as potential markers for 6-month restenosis.
- These findings support the hypothesis that platelets play a role in the restenosis process.
- Platelet activation markers may help identify patients at risk for restenosis after PTCA.
Objectives:
Restenosis occurs in 40-50% of patients treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Some data indicate that platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) plays a pathogenetic role. The aims of the present study were to measure the plasma levels of PDGF across the coronary circulation during PTCA and relate them to the development of restenosis.
Design And Results:
Blood samples from the aortic root and coronary sinus were drawn simultaneously before, and after completed PTCA in 26 patients. Plasma levels of PDGF and beta-thromboglobulin (BTG), as well as platelet counts were measured. Restenosis was evaluated by quantitative coronary angiography after 6 months. Significant increases both in PDGF and BTG were encountered in the aortic root after PTCA in patients who developed restenosis as compared to patients without restenosis. Patients who developed restenosis also had significantly higher platelet counts compared to those without.
Conclusion:
Increases in plasma PDGF and BTG in the aortic root after PTCA seem to be markers for restenosis 6 months after PTCA. This finding may strengthen the hypothesis that platelets contribute to the process of restenosis.
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