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Clinical significance of procoagulant microparticles
Shosaku Nomura1, Michiomi Shimizu1
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, 2-3-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1191 Japan.
Abstract:
Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane vesicles that are released from many different cell types by exocytic budding of the plasma membrane in response to cellular activation or apoptosis. MPs may also be involved in clinical diseases because they express phospholipids, which function as procoagulants. Although flow cytometry is the most widely used method for studying MPs, some novel assays, such as tissue factor-dependent procoagulant assay or the ELISA method, have been reported. However, the use of quantification of MP as a clinical tool is still controversial. Elevated platelet-derived MP, endothelial cell-derived MP, and monocyte-derived MP concentrations are documented in almost all thrombotic diseases occurring in venous and arterial beds. However, the significance of MPs in various clinical conditions remains controversial. An example of this controversy is that it is unknown if MPs found in peripheral blood vessels cause thrombosis or whether they are the result of thrombosis. Numerous studies have shown that not only the quantity, but also the cellular origin and composition of circulating MPs, are dependent on the type of disease, the disease state, and medical treatment. Additionally, many different functions have been attributed to MPs. Therefore, the number and type of clinical disorders associated with elevated MPs are currently increasing. However, MPs were initially thought to be small particles with procoagulant activity. Taken together, our review suggests that MPs may be a useful biomarker to identify thrombosis.
Insights
Microparticles (MPs), small cell-derived vesicles, are increasingly linked to thrombosis. While their role is debated, this review suggests MPs may serve as valuable biomarkers for identifying thrombotic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane vesicles released from various cell types.
- MPs express phospholipids, contributing to procoagulant activity and potential roles in clinical diseases.
- Current research on MPs in clinical settings faces controversy regarding their quantification and diagnostic utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of microparticles (MPs) in the context of thrombosis.
- To explore the potential of MPs as clinical biomarkers for thrombotic diseases.
- To address the ongoing controversy surrounding the clinical application of MP quantification.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating microparticles (MPs) and thrombosis.
- Analysis of various methods for MP detection and quantification, including flow cytometry and novel assays.
- Examination of data linking MP concentrations and cellular origins to thrombotic conditions.
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of platelet-, endothelial cell-, and monocyte-derived MPs are observed in numerous thrombotic diseases.
- The origin, composition, and quantity of circulating MPs vary significantly with disease type, state, and treatment.
- The precise causal role of MPs in thrombosis (cause vs. effect) remains a subject of debate.
Conclusions:
- Microparticles (MPs) exhibit diverse functions and are associated with an increasing number of clinical disorders.
- Despite ongoing controversy, the evidence suggests MPs hold potential as valuable biomarkers for identifying thrombosis.
- Further research is needed to clarify the exact role and clinical utility of MPs in thrombotic diseases.
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