Decreased platelet mitogenic activity in patients with diabetes mellitus

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor is involved in the atherogenesis and in the genesis of vascular alterations in diabetes mellitus. Its evaluation in platelet extract, by means of the mitogenic stimulation of BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts, showed significantly reduced values in ten diabetics compared with ten normal controls. Platelet poor plasma mitogenic activity was also evaluated but showed no significant difference. The release of platelet mitogens into the circulation and a resulting acquired platelet defect are suggested. A hypothetical growth inhibitory activity can be surmised, that could both contribute to angiopathy and wound healing defect typical of diabetes mellitus.