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Published on: January 31, 2018
Platelet-Derived Microvesicles in Cardiovascular Diseases
Maria T K Zaldivia1,2, James D McFadyen1,2,3, Bock Lim1
1Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract:
Microvesicles (MVs) circulating in the blood are small vesicles (100-1,000 nm in diameter) derived from membrane blebs of cells such as activated platelets, endothelial cells, and leukocytes. A growing body of evidence now supports the concept that platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs), the most abundant MVs in the circulation, are important regulators of hemostasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Compared with healthy individuals, a large increase of circulating PMVs has been observed, particularly in patients with cardiovascular diseases. As observed in MVs from other parent cells, PMVs exert their biological effects in multiple ways, such as triggering various intercellular signaling cascades and by participating in transcellular communication by the transfer of their "cargo" of cytoplasmic components and surface receptors to other cell types. This review describes our current understanding of the potential role of PMVs in mediating hemostasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis and their consequences on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and venous thrombosis. Furthermore, new developments of the therapeutic potential of PMVs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases will be discussed.
Insights
Platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) are key regulators of hemostasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Elevated PMVs are linked to cardiovascular diseases, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microvesicles (MVs) are circulating vesicles derived from cell membranes.
- Platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) are the most abundant MVs and regulate key physiological processes.
- Increased PMVs are observed in cardiovascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PMVs in hemostasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis.
- To discuss the consequences of PMVs in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of PMVs in cardiovascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current understanding.
- Analysis of PMV function in intercellular signaling and cargo transfer.
- Examination of PMVs' role in atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and venous thrombosis.
Main Results:
- PMVs significantly influence hemostasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis.
- PMVs contribute to the pathogenesis of major cardiovascular diseases.
- PMVs mediate effects through intercellular signaling and molecular cargo transfer.
Conclusions:
- PMVs are crucial players in cardiovascular health and disease.
- Understanding PMV mechanisms offers insights into disease pathology.
- PMVs hold promise as therapeutic agents for cardiovascular conditions.
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