Platelet activation markers in evaluation of thrombotic risk factors in various clinical settings

Platelets play a major role in primary hemostasis and thrombus formation. After vascular injury, platelets adhere to injured site and rapidly change their shape that switches the resting platelets to active state. Activated platelets aggregate and secrete biologically active intermediate substances that further potentiate platelet activation through autocrine as well as paracrine mechanisms. The activated platelet expresses certain proteins that are not seen on the resting platelets, thus these proteins serve as markers of platelet activation. Other subsequent events of platelet activation include release of microvesicles and formation of complexes with other circulating cells, like monocytes and neutrophils. Platelet activation markers are useful tools in evaluating risk factors of thrombosis in a variety of clinical conditions. Increased platelet activation has been associated with various pathological conditions such as acute coronary syndrome, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and other inflammatory diseases. The advancement in technologies helps in determining the status of platelet activation in such clinical conditions. This article focuses on the sources, mechanism and diagnosis of platelet activation and their clinical implications.