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A new cytofluorimetric approach to evaluate the circulating microparticles in subjects with antiphospholipid
Elena Niccolai1, Danilo Squatrito1, Giacomo Emmi1
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy.
Introduction:
Growing evidence supports the idea that microparticles (MPs) could contribute to the pathogenesis of the thrombotic phenomena associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), inducing a hypercoagulable state. But, to date, different approaches to evaluate circulating MPs and conflicting results have been reported.
Materials And Methods:
We have characterized the different circulating subpopulations of MPs in APS patients, and in asymptomatic aPL-positive subjects (carriers) by examining the correlation between the amount and phenotype of MPs and the clinical parameters. Forty-eight subjects were enrolled: 16 with primary APS, 16 aPL-positive, but without clinical criteria for APS (carriers), and 16 healthy subjects. The levels of MPs were evaluated using a new cytofluorimetric approach based on BD Horizon Violet Proliferation dye (VPD) 450.
Results And Conclusions:
Using a new detection cytofluorimetric approach, we demonstrated that the AnnV-negative MPs, underestimated/or excluded in the previous studies, are a large subset of circulating MPs. Also, the levels of MPs in the plasma of aPL positive subjects indicate a state of cellular activation, which is much more pronounced in patients with APS compared to aPL carriers. Moreover, the preliminary data of our pilot study suggest that the evaluation of circulating MPs, in particular PMPs and EMPs, could be used as a surrogate biomarker for platelet and vascular damage monitoring and, if confirmed in a more numerous cohort of patients, it could be used as a prognostic factor to identify aPL positive subjects at higher risk of developing thrombosis.
Insights
Microparticles (MPs) are linked to antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) thrombosis. A new method reveals AnnV-negative MPs are significant, with higher levels in APS patients indicating cellular activation and potential for monitoring platelet and vascular damage.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are implicated in antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) pathogenesis and thrombosis.
- Existing methods for evaluating circulating MPs yield conflicting results.
- Understanding MP subpopulations is crucial for clarifying their role in APS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize circulating MP subpopulations in APS patients and asymptomatic carriers.
- To correlate MP levels and phenotypes with clinical parameters in APS.
- To explore the potential of MPs as biomarkers for thrombosis risk in APS.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of circulating MP subpopulations in 16 primary APS patients, 16 asymptomatic aPL-positive carriers, and 16 healthy controls.
- Utilized a novel cytofluorimetric approach with BD Horizon Violet Proliferation dye (VPD) 450 for MP evaluation.
- Correlated MP levels and phenotypes with clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Identified AnnV-negative MPs as a substantial, previously underestimated subset of circulating MPs.
- Observed significantly higher MP levels in APS patients compared to aPL carriers, indicating heightened cellular activation.
- Preliminary data suggest PMPs and EMPs may serve as surrogate biomarkers for platelet and vascular damage.
Conclusions:
- A new cytofluorimetric method effectively quantifies circulating MPs, including the significant AnnV-negative subset.
- Elevated MP levels in aPL-positive individuals reflect cellular activation, more pronounced in APS patients.
- Circulating MPs, particularly PMPs and EMPs, show promise as biomarkers for monitoring vascular health and predicting thrombosis risk in APS.
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