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Evidence of platelet activation in multiple sclerosis

William A Sheremata1, Wenche Jy, Lawrence L Horstman

  • 1Multiple Sclerosis Center and Department of Neurology Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA. sheremaw@bellsouth.net

Journal of Neuroinflammation
|July 1, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Platelets show significant activation in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, indicated by elevated markers. Further research is needed to understand the causes and implications of this platelet activation in MS.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Hematology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
  • Previous studies suggested platelet activation in treatment-naive MS patients.
  • Severe bleeding events prompted investigation into platelet function abnormalities in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate platelet activation and function in stable, untreated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
  • To compare platelet activation markers in MS patients versus healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 33 stable, untreated MS patients and 92 healthy controls.
  • Measured platelet counts, plasma platelet microparticles (PMP), P-selectin expression (CD62p), circulating platelet microaggregates (PAg), and platelet-associated IgG/IgM.
  • Assessed plasma protein S activity.

Main Results:

  • MS patients exhibited significantly elevated PMP (p < 0.001) and CD62p expression (p < 0.001) compared to controls, indicating increased platelet activation.
  • Platelet-associated IgM was marginally elevated in MS patients (p = 0.01), but IgG levels did not differ significantly.
  • Plasma protein S activity showed no significant difference between MS patients and controls.

Conclusions:

  • Platelets are demonstrably activated in multiple sclerosis patients.
  • The underlying mechanisms and clinical significance of platelet activation in MS remain undetermined.
  • Further investigation into platelet activation and function in MS is warranted.

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