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Published on: November 29, 2024
Platelet Microvesicles, Inflammation, and Coagulation Markers: A Pilot Study
Antonio Gidaro1, Alessandro Palmerio Delitala2, Roberto Manetti2
1Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi N° 74, 20157 Milan, Italy.
Background:
Platelet "Microvesicles" (MVs) are studied for their role in blood coagulation and inflammation. The study aimed to establish if MVs are related to age, plasma levels of inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis markers in healthy individuals.
Methods:
We prospectively enrolled volunteers aged over 18 years. MVs, plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 10 (IL-10), Interleukin 17 (IL-17), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), von Willebrand factor (VWF), homocysteine, factor VII (FVII), thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), and Protein S were tested.
Results:
A total of 246 individuals (median age 65 years ("IQR"54-72)) were evaluated. Both univariate analysis and logistic regression models showed that MVs positively correlate with age, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TGF-β, fibrinogen, PAI-1, VWF, FVII, and homocysteine, while inversely correlating with TAFI and Protein S. The ROC curve analysis performed to identify a cut off for MV values (700 kMP) showed a good accuracy with over-range cytokines fibrinolysis factor and coagulation markers.
Conclusions:
To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to correlate MVs with an entire panel of cardiovascular risk factors in healthy individuals. A future possible role of MVs in screening exams is suggested.
Insights
Platelet microvesicles (MVs) correlate with cardiovascular risk factors in healthy adults. This study suggests MVs may have a future role in screening exams for cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Platelet microvesicles (MVs) are implicated in blood coagulation and inflammation.
- Understanding MV relationships with cardiovascular risk factors is crucial for healthy aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between platelet microvesicles (MVs) and various markers of inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis in healthy individuals.
- To determine if MVs correlate with age and established cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of healthy volunteers over 18 years old.
- Measurement of MVs and plasma levels of inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TGF-β), coagulation factors (fibrinogen, PAI-1, VWF, FVII, homocysteine, TAFI, Protein S).
Main Results:
- A total of 246 individuals were evaluated (median age 65).
- MVs positively correlated with age and multiple cardiovascular risk markers including CRP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TGF-β, fibrinogen, PAI-1, VWF, FVII, and homocysteine.
- MVs inversely correlated with TAFI and Protein S; ROC analysis identified a potential MV cutoff value (700 kMP).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first comprehensive correlation of MVs with a wide array of cardiovascular risk factors in healthy individuals.
- Platelet microvesicles show potential as a novel biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment and screening.
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