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Updated: May 9, 2026
09:49
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Increased circulating platelet microparticles as a potential biomarker in asthma
D Duarte1, T Taveira-Gomes, O Sokhatska
1Department of Biochemistry (U38-FCT), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. delfimd@med.up.pt
Allergy
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Platelet microparticles (PMPs) are elevated in asthma patients, suggesting they may serve as novel biomarkers for the condition and play a role in its development.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Respiratory medicine
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) and platelet microparticles (PMPs) are implicated in inflammatory diseases.
- These microparticles are key mediators of intercellular communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microparticle levels in asthma patients.
- To determine if microparticles can serve as biomarkers for asthma.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing 20 asthmatic and 15 nonasthmatic subjects.
- Assessed circulating microparticles, inflammatory markers, and angiogenic markers.
- Utilized flow cytometry and immunoassays for analysis.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased circulating levels of PMPs (CD31+/42b+ or CD31+/42b+/AnV+) were observed in asthmatics (P = 0.021).
- Apoptotic EMPs (CD31+/42b--/AnV+) showed increased levels before adjustment (P = 0.005) but not after.
Conclusions:
- Platelet microparticles (PMPs) show potential as reliable asthma biomarkers.
- PMPs may play a significant role in the underlying pathophysiology of asthma.
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