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Proteomics of microparticles after experimental pulmonary embolism
John A Watts1, Yong-Yook Lee, Michael A Gellar
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, United States. jwatts@carolinas.org
Thrombosis Research
|October 22, 2011
Summary
Experimental pulmonary embolism (PE) in rats induced changes in microparticles (MPs), shifting their characteristics toward a prothrombotic state. These findings in a PE model reveal MP alterations as a result of vascular occlusion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hematology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are cell fragments implicated in cardiovascular diseases.
- Distinguishing cause from effect of MP changes in clinical studies is challenging.
- A rat model of experimental pulmonary embolism (PE) was used to investigate MP alterations due to vascular occlusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if pulmonary vascular occlusion causes changes in microparticle characteristics.
- To investigate the prothrombotic potential of microparticles following PE.
- To characterize protein composition of microparticles in a PE model.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) induced by microsphere infusion in rats.
- Microparticles (MPs) isolated from arterial blood via differential centrifugation.
- Protein identification using UPLC-tandem mass spectrometry; statistical analysis with PLGEM.
Main Results:
- Experimental PE led to pulmonary hypertension and systemic changes.
- MPs showed increased clotting proteins (e.g., fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor) and macroglobulins.
- Haptoglobin decreased, while d-Dimer elevated, indicating a pro-coagulant state.
Conclusions:
- Experimental PE significantly altered MP characteristics.
- These alterations suggest a shift towards a prothrombotic phenotype.
- MP changes are a consequence of pulmonary vascular occlusion in PE.
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