Intraplatelet oxidative/nitrative stress: inductors, consequences, and control

This article provides an overview of the current knowledge on intraplatelet oxidative/nitrative stress, an abnormality associated with platelet activation and hyper-reactivity. The first issue discussed is related to induction of platelet endogenous stress by the molecules present within the circulating (extracellular) milieu that bathes these cells. The second issue concerns the intraplatelet oxidative/nitrative stress associated with specific pathologies or clinical procedures and action of particular molecules and platelet agonists as well as of the specialized intraplatelet milieu and its redox system; the biomarkers of endogenous oxidative/nitrative stress are also briefly outlined. Next, the association between intraplatelet oxidative/nitrative stress and the risk factors of the metabolic syndrome is presented. Then, the most recent strategies aimed at the control/regulation of platelet endogenous oxidative/nitrative stress, such as exploitation of circulating extracellular reactive oxygen species scavengers, manipulation of platelet molecules, and the use of antioxidants, are discussed. Finally, the results of studies on platelet-dependent redox mechanisms, which deserve immediate attention for potential clinical exploitation, are illustrated.