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Platelet Activation Is Not Always Associated With Platelet-Related Plasma microRNA Abundance - Results From a
Stefan Heber1, Markus Laky2, Isabella Anscheringer3
1Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
Platelets are involved in a variety of diseases, making their adequate functional assessment is essential. However, due to their easily activatable nature this has some methodological pitfalls. Therefore, the availability of stable, easily measurable surrogate markers would be beneficial. In this regard, some evidence suggests that certain microRNAs (miRNAs) circulating in plasma might be useful. We aimed to corroborate their suitability by analyzing plasma samples obtained in a randomized controlled trial, which assessed the effects of periodontal treatment on platelet function. We hypothesized that miRNA levels mirror changes of platelet activation and -function. Both platelet function and miRNA abundance were quantified using state-of-the-art flow cytometry and qPCR methods. The following miRNAs were quantified: 223-3p, 150-5p, 197-3p, 23a-3p, 126-3p, 24-3p, 21-5p, 27b-3p, 33a-5p, 320a, 191-5p, 28-3p, 451a, 29b-3p, and 1-3p. However, periodontal treatment did not affect the abundance of any investigated miRNAs to a relevant extent. Platelet activation and reactivity indices did neither correlate with any tested miRNA at baseline, nor after the treatment period. In addition, there was no evidence that investigated miRNAs were released by platelets, as suggested previously. In conclusion, our data suggest that in patients suffering from periodontal disease the investigated miRNAs are unlikely to be suitable biomarkers for platelet function. Our data aim to raise awareness that previously determined platelet activation dependent circulating miRNAs are not suitable as platelet biomarkers in all cohorts.
Insights
Investigating microRNAs (miRNAs) as platelet biomarkers in periodontal disease revealed no correlation between miRNA levels and platelet function. These specific circulating miRNAs are unlikely to be useful for assessing platelet activity in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Platelet function is crucial in various diseases, but accurate assessment is challenging due to platelet activation.
- Stable surrogate markers for platelet function are needed, with circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) being a potential candidate.
- Periodontal disease impacts systemic health, including potential effects on platelet activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of specific plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for platelet function and activation.
- To determine if periodontal treatment influences circulating miRNA levels and their correlation with platelet function.
- To investigate the origin of circulating miRNAs in the context of platelet activity.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples from a randomized controlled trial on periodontal treatment were analyzed.
- Platelet function was assessed using flow cytometry.
- Abundance of 15 specific miRNAs was quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
Main Results:
- Periodontal treatment did not significantly alter the levels of the investigated miRNAs.
- No correlation was found between baseline or post-treatment miRNA levels and platelet activation or reactivity indices.
- Evidence supporting the release of these miRNAs by platelets was not observed.
Conclusions:
- The investigated circulating miRNAs are unlikely to serve as reliable biomarkers for platelet function in patients with periodontal disease.
- This study cautions against the universal application of previously identified platelet activation-dependent circulating miRNAs across all patient cohorts.
- Further research is needed to identify robust biomarkers for platelet function in specific disease contexts.
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