Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Preparation of Washed Human Platelets for Quantitative Metabolic Flux Studies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Persistent platelet activation in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with low doses of aspirin
V Evangelista1, G de Berardis, L Totani
1Department of Translational Pharmacology, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Santa Maria Imbaro, Chieti, Italy. evangelista@negrisud.it
Background:
The percentage of diabetic patients who do not benefit from the protective effect of aspirin is larger than in other populations at cardiovascular risk.
Objective:
We compared the ability of aspirin to suppress TxA2 and platelet activation in vivo, in type-2 diabetics vs. high-risk non-diabetic patients.
Methods:
Urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2, plasma sCD40 L, and sP-selectin were measured, together with indices of low-grade inflammation, glycemic control, and lipid profile, in 82 patients with type-2 diabetes and 39 without diabetes, treated with low doses of aspirin.
Results:
Urinary 11-dehydro-TxB2, plasma sCD40L and sP-selectin were significantly higher in diabetics than in controls: [38.9 (27.8-63.3) vs. 28.5 (22.5-43.9) ng mmol(-1) of creatinine, P = 0.02], [1.06 (0.42-3.06) vs. 0.35 (0.22-0.95) ng mL(-1); P = 0.0001], [37.0 (16.8-85.6) vs. 20.0 (11.2-35.6) ng mL(-1), P = 0.0001], respectively. The proportion of individuals with diabetes increased across quartiles of 11-dehydro-TxB2, sCD40L, and sP-selectin, with the highest quartiles of 11-dehydro-TxB2, sCD40L and sP-selectin, including 66%, 93.3%, and 93.3% of individuals with diabetes. Markers of platelet activation positively correlated with indices of glycemic control but not with markers of low-grade inflammation.
Conclusions:
Platelet dysfunction associated with insufficient glycemic control, may mediate persistent platelet activation under aspirin treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

