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Updated: May 10, 2026

Determination of the Procoagulant Activity of Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Using EV-Activated Clotting Time (EV-ACT)
Published on: August 4, 2023
Revisited role of microparticles in arterial and venous thrombosis
R Lacroix1, C Dubois, A S Leroyer
1VRCM, UMR_S1076, UFR de Pharmacie, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
Microparticles (MPs) represent a heterogeneous population of submicronic vesicles that are released in response to cell activation or apoptosis. MPs harbor a large repertoire of cell surface receptors and mRNA and biological activities representative of their parent cells and related to their involvement in many biological functions. Although MP generation is a physiological response, a dramatic increase in circulating MPs is detectable in a variety of thrombosis-associated disorders compared with healthy individuals. In this review, we will discuss a new vision of MPs as complex and ambivalent structures that express both activators and inhibitors of coagulation but also convey fibrinolytic properties. After summarizing our current knowledge about the role of MPs in venous and arterial thrombosis, this review will explore how this new vision of MPs influences their definition as emergent biomarkers in thrombotic diseases. Among the studies that have aimed to establish a link between thrombosis and MPs, a few studies have demonstrated a predictive value of MPs. So far, it is unclear whether this limited causative association is the result of current technical concerns and limited standardization or has to be integrated into a more complex vision of the role of MPs as key systems for regulating the balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis.
Insights
Microparticles (MPs), small vesicles released by cells, are increasingly linked to thrombosis. This review explores their complex role in blood clotting and potential as diagnostic biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are submicronic vesicles released during cell activation or apoptosis.
- MPs carry cell-specific molecules and influence biological functions.
- Elevated circulating MPs are observed in thrombosis-associated disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new perspective on MPs as complex regulators of coagulation and fibrinolysis.
- To review the role of MPs in venous and arterial thrombosis.
- To discuss the implications of this new vision for MPs as biomarkers in thrombotic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MPs and thrombosis.
- Analysis of MP expression of coagulation activators, inhibitors, and fibrinolytic properties.
- Evaluation of the predictive value of MPs in thrombotic diseases.
Main Results:
- MPs exhibit dual roles, expressing both pro-coagulant and anti-coagulant factors.
- MPs possess fibrinolytic properties, contributing to clot regulation.
- Limited studies show predictive value, with unclear reasons for inconsistency.
Conclusions:
- MPs are complex, ambivalent structures crucial for balancing coagulation and fibrinolysis.
- The precise role of MPs in thrombosis requires further investigation.
- Standardization and a comprehensive understanding are needed to establish MPs as reliable biomarkers for thrombotic diseases.
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