Circulating microparticles are elevated in carriers of factor V Leiden

Anoop K Enjeti1, Lisa F Lincz, Fiona E Scorgie

  • 1Hunter Haematology Research Group, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Edith Street, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia. Anoop.Enjeti@mater.health.nsw.gov.au

Thrombosis Research
|December 22, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Elevated microparticles (MPs), particularly from leukocytes, are found in Factor V Leiden mutation carriers. These increased MPs may contribute to thrombosis risk in heterozygotes.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Thrombosis Research
  • Molecular Genetics

Background:

  • Microparticles (MPs) are cell-derived fragments implicated in thrombosis.
  • Factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation heterozygotes exhibit variable thrombosis risk.
  • The role of circulating MPs in FVL heterozygote thrombosis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if elevated circulating microparticle numbers or procoagulant potential contribute to thrombosis risk in Factor V Leiden heterozygotes.

Main Methods:

  • Enumerated circulating platelet, endothelial, and leukocyte MPs via flow cytometry in 45 FVL heterozygotes and controls.
  • Assessed procoagulant potential using enzyme-linked immunoassay for prothrombinase activity and dilute Russell Viper venom test.

Main Results:

  • FVL heterozygotes showed significantly higher levels of circulating MPs compared to controls (p=0.0021).
  • All MP subsets, especially leukocyte-derived MPs (CD45+), were elevated in the FVL group.
  • No significant difference in prothrombinase activity or clotting time was observed between groups; MP levels did not correlate with thrombosis history within the FVL cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating platelet and leukocyte microparticles are elevated in Factor V Leiden heterozygotes.
  • These elevated MPs may be significant contributors to thrombosis risk in carriers of the FVL mutation.

Related Concept Videos

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
Disorders of Hemostasis01:24

Disorders of Hemostasis

Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Structure and Function of Platelets01:18

Structure and Function of Platelets

The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis01:20

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis

Blood clotting or coagulation involves extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which ultimately merge into the common pathway, forming a fibrin clot.
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...