Platelet Function in Aging

Jessica Le Blanc1,2, Marie Lordkipanidzé1,2

  • 1Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.

Aging is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and thrombosis. Platelets play a major role in maintaining hemostasis and in thrombus formation, making them a key player in thrombotic disorders. Whereas it is well-known that platelet aggregability is increased in vascular diseases, the contribution of age-related changes in platelet biology to cardiovascular risk is not well-understood. Several lines of evidence support that platelets from older subjects differ in their function and structure, making platelets more prone to activation and less sensitive to inhibition. These age-related changes could lead to platelet hyperactivity and to the development of a prothrombotic state in advanced age. This review will focus on platelet biochemical modifications during aging and on the mechanisms by which these alterations could lead to thrombotic disease.

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