Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Comprehensive Analysis of Procoagulant Platelets Exhibiting Features of Necrosis, Apoptosis and Platelet Activation
Published on: May 23, 2025
Dysregulation of Autophagy in Circulating Platelets Is Associated with Platelet Dysfunction During Cardiopulmonary
Xiaoling Chen1, Jingjing Yu1, Zongsheng Tang1
1Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical University (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical University), Wuhu, PR China.
Objectives:
To investigate whether cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)-induced platelet dysfunction is associated with dysregulated autophagic flux in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Design:
Prospective, single-center observational study.
Setting:
A tertiary university hospital cardiac operating room.
Participants:
Forty adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB.
Interventions:
No therapeutic intervention was applied. Blood samples were collected at 3 perioperative time points for platelet function and autophagy assessment.
Measurements And Main Results:
Platelet count (PLT) significantly decreased after CPB, whereas mean platelet volume (MPV) was lower at T3 than at T1. Flow cytometry showed a marked increase in CD62P expression, and thromboelastography revealed a significant reduction in maximum amplitude, indicating impaired platelet function. Western blotting and immunofluorescence demonstrated blocked autophagic flux, characterized by abnormal accumulation of both LC3-II and p62 in platelets.
Conclusion:
Cardiac surgery with CPB is associated with platelet activation and functional decline, which are correlated with blocked autophagic flux.
Related Concept Videos
Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
Autophagy
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

