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Published on: December 28, 2014
Potential roles of cell-derived microparticles in ischemic brain disease
Lawrence L Horstman1, Wenche Jy, Carlos J Bidot
1Wallace H Coulter Platelet Laboratory, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Insights
Cell-derived microparticles, vesicles from blood cells, significantly contribute to ischemic brain diseases by promoting thrombosis. Targeting these microparticles may offer novel therapeutic strategies for stroke treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Vascular Biology
- Neurology
Background:
- Cell-derived microparticles (CDMPs) are vesicles released from various blood cells.
- These microparticles carry tissue factor, initiating intravascular thrombosis.
- CDMPs are implicated in thrombotic and inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of cell-derived microparticles in ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.
- To explore the contribution of CDMPs to microvascular thrombosis in the brain.
Main Methods:
- Extensive PubMed literature search conducted in April 2009.
- Keywords included cell-derived microparticles and ischemic stroke.
- Review of existing research on CDMPs and their impact on neurological conditions.
Main Results:
- Cell-derived microparticles are predominantly involved in microvascular thrombosis.
- CDMPs substantially contribute to ischemic brain disease.
- Evidence suggests a role in neuroinflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Cell-derived microparticles play a significant role in ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.
- Targeting CDMPs could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to confirm the therapeutic potential.
Purpose:
The objective of this study is to review the role of cell-derived microparticles in ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.
Materials And Methods:
An extensive PubMed search of literature pertaining to this study was performed in April 2009 using specific keyword search terms related to cell-derived microparticles and ischemic stroke. Some references are not cited here as it is not possible to be all inclusive or due to space limitation.
Discussion:
Cell-derived microparticles are small membranous vesicles released from the plasma membranes of platelets, leukocytes, red cells and endothelial cells in response to diverse biochemical agents or mechanical stresses. They are the main carriers of circulating tissue factor, the principal initiator of intravascular thrombosis, and are implicated in a variety of thrombotic and inflammatory disorders. This review outlines evidence suggesting that cell-derived microparticles are involved predominantly with microvascular, as opposed to macrovascular, thrombosis. More specifically, cell-derived microparticles may substantially contribute to ischemic brain disease in several settings, as well as to neuroinflammatory conditions.
Conclusion:
If further work confirms this hypothesis, novel therapeutic strategies for minimizing cell-derived microparticles-mediated ischemia are available or can be developed, as discussed.