Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
Published on: January 28, 2020
Proteome of platelets in patients with coronary artery disease
Cristina Banfi1, Maura Brioschi, Giancarlo Marenzi
1Centro Cardiologico Monzino, I.R.C.C.S, Milan, Italy. cristina.banfi@unimi.it
Insights
Platelet protein patterns are altered in coronary artery disease (CAD). Key changes in energy metabolism and cytoskeleton proteins suggest platelet activation in CAD patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Proteomics
- Platelet Biology
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Platelets play a critical role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Understanding platelet protein alterations can provide insights into CAD mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differential protein expression in platelets from patients with stable or acute coronary atherosclerosis (CAD).
- To identify specific protein patterns associated with CAD and platelet activation.
Main Methods:
- A proteomic approach was utilized to analyze platelet proteins.
- Comparison of protein profiles between patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome, stable angina, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Six differentially expressed proteins were identified, including those in energy metabolism (OGDH, LDH) and cytoskeleton (gamma-actin, coronin 1B, pleckstrin).
- Increased OGDH and cleaved gamma-actin were observed in CAD patients.
- LDH was elevated in acute coronary disease, while coronin, proteasome subunit type 8, and pleckstrin isoforms were decreased.
Conclusions:
- Platelet proteome alterations are associated with stable and acute coronary syndrome.
- Increased energy metabolism enzymes and altered cytoskeleton proteins indicate platelet activation in CAD.
Objective:
This study aimed at investigating the protein patterns of platelets from patients with stable or acute coronary atherosclerosis (CAD), in which platelets play a key role.
Materials And Methods:
A proteomic approach was adopted to investigate specific protein patterns in platelets of patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome, stable angina, or of subjects with no history of CAD.
Results:
Six differentially expressed proteins were identified: two involved in energy metabolism (2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase [OGDH], and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]); three were associated with cytoskeleton-based processes (gamma-actin, coronin 1B, and pleckstrin); and one involved in protein degradation (proteasome subunit type 8). Expression levels of OGDH and a cleaved form of gamma-actin were significantly higher in the platelets of patients than in controls, whereas that of LDH was higher only in the platelets of patients with acute coronary disease. The increases in protein expression of OGDH and LDH are paralleled by changes in their functional activities. Coronin and proteasome subunit type 8 were less expressed in the platelets of patients, as were the basic isoforms of pleckstrin.
Conclusion:
The platelet proteome is altered in CAD patients with stable or acute coronary syndrome possibly because of the ongoing atherosclerotic process. The identified protein changes not previously connected with CAD were an increase in the energy metabolism enzymes and alterations in the proteins associated with cytoskeleton-based processes, both of which indicate platelet activation.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
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...
01:20Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
01:22Formation 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...