Platelet Function and Markers of Atherothrombotic Risk in Individuals With Parathyroid Disorders

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and chronic hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) are linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• The precise mechanisms by which parathyroid disorders affect endothelial dysfunction and platelet aggregation, key CVD determinants, remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of PHPT and HypoPT on oxidative stress, endothelial function, and platelet activity.
• To compare these effects between PHPT, HypoPT, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A monocentric, cross-sectional study involving 40 PHPT patients, 40 HypoPT patients, and 40 matched controls.
• Assessment of oxidative stress markers, endothelial function (flow-mediated vasodilation - FMD), platelet activation markers, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).

Main Results:

• Both PHPT and HypoPT groups exhibited elevated oxidative stress markers compared to controls.
• PHPT patients showed significantly reduced nitric oxide, FMD, and increased IMT compared to both HypoPT and control groups.
• Increased platelet aggregation, soluble P selectin, and thromboxane B2 were observed in parathyroid disorder patients, most pronounced in the PHPT group.

Conclusions:

• PHPT and HypoPT contribute to atherothrombotic risk through endothelial and platelet dysfunction.
• Parathyroid hormone (PTH) appears to play a role in modulating platelet reactivity.
• Further research is warranted to explore personalized antiplatelet therapies for individuals with parathyroid disorders.