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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
LC-MS Analysis of Human Platelets as a Platform for Studying Mitochondrial Metabolism
Published on: April 4, 2016
Protein content and monoamine oxidase activity in platelets
Abstract:
Platelets of healthy subjects and patients suffering from various disorders were assayed for their monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and protein content. The latter tended to be lower with increasing platelet count. A linear correlation with negative slope between count and protein content was found to exist in platelets obtained from schizophrenic, parkinsonian, and (specific development) dyslexia patients. MAO activities appeared to vary significantly with respect to age and sex. In schizophrenic patients, a significant depression of MAO activity occurred which was more marked in chronic than in acute cases. Even larger activity reductions were seen in platelets of insulin-dependent diabetics while the MAO was enhanced in male dyslexic boys. When MAO activity was assessed with different substrates and methods, the results correlated well with each other. Small, but consistent discrepancies, however, arose in the schizophrenia data when compared with the control values.
Insights
Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity varies with age and sex, showing reduced levels in schizophrenia and diabetes, but increased levels in male dyslexia patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Hematology
Background:
- Platelets contain monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme involved in neurotransmitter metabolism.
- MAO activity and platelet protein content may be altered in various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and protein content in platelets from healthy individuals and patients with specific disorders.
- To explore correlations between platelet count, protein content, and MAO activity in different patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Assay of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and protein content in platelets.
- Analysis of data concerning age, sex, platelet count, and disease status.
- Comparison of MAO activity across different patient cohorts (schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, dyslexia, diabetes) and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Platelet protein content showed a negative correlation with platelet count across patient groups.
- MAO activity varied significantly with age and sex.
- Schizophrenic patients exhibited reduced MAO activity, particularly in chronic cases.
- Insulin-dependent diabetics showed marked reductions in MAO activity.
- Male dyslexic boys displayed enhanced MAO activity.
- MAO activity measurements were consistent across different substrates and methods, with minor discrepancies in schizophrenia data.
Conclusions:
- Platelet MAO activity is a potential biomarker influenced by age, sex, and specific disease states.
- Alterations in platelet MAO activity are observed in schizophrenia, diabetes, and dyslexia.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of platelet MAO in these conditions.
