Not all (N)SAID and done: Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol intake on platelets

Sex-Specific Associations between Thyroid Status, Inflammation and Hemostasis Biomarkers in Patients with Subacute Thyroiditis

Background: Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is characterized by profound inflammation and fluctuations in thyroid hormones which may affect the hemostasis balance. This study investigates sex-specific associations between thyroid status, inflammation and hemostasis biomarkers in SAT. Methods: We included 52 patients (40 women and 12 men) treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or methylprednisolone (MPS). Free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone, C-reactive protein, complete blood count and routine hemostasis parameters were assessed. Results: Both men and women were in hyperthyroid state and had comparable levels of inflammatory biomarkers. A shortened activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was observed in 16.7% of the men and 10% of the women (p = 0.562), and a shortened prothrombin time (PT) was observed in 33% of the men and 12.5% of the women (p = 0.094). In men, aPTT positively correlated with fT4 (r = 0.627; p < 0.05), while PT positively correlated with leukocyte-based inflammatory indices in women (p < 0.05). NSAID-treated patients had lower aPTTs and platelet counts than those treated with MPS (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis extracted "proinflammatory", "prothrombotic" and "antithrombotic" factors, but the "proinflammatory" factor was the independent predictor of elevated fT4 in women (OR = 2.705; p = 0.036). Conclusions: Our data demonstrated sex-specific associations of thyroid status and inflammatory biomarkers with hemostasis parameters in SAT. Routine hemostasis screening tests may help in monitoring the changes in the hemostasis system over the course of SAT.

Classic Light Transmission Platelet Aggregometry: Do We Still Need it?

For more than 50 years, light transmission aggregometry has been accepted as the gold standard test for diagnosing inherited platelet disorders in platelet-rich plasma, although there are other functional approaches performed in whole blood. In this article, several advantages and disadvantages of this technique over other laboratory approaches are discussed in the view of recent guidelines, and the necessity of functional assays, such as light transmission aggregometry in the era of molecular genetic testing, is highlighted.

The Multifaceted Effects of Non-Steroidal and Non-Opioid Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs on Platelets: Current Knowledge, Limitations, and Future Perspectives

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely utilized pharmaceuticals worldwide. Besides their recognized anti-inflammatory effects, these drugs exhibit various other pleiotropic effects in several cells, including platelets. Within this article, the multifaceted properties of NSAIDs on platelet functions, activation and viability, as well as their interaction(s) with established antiplatelet medications, by hindering several platelet agonists' pathways and receptors, are thoroughly reviewed. The efficacy and safety of NSAIDs as adjunctive therapies for conditions involving inflammation and platelet activation are also discussed. Emphasis is given to the antiplatelet potential of commonly administered NSAIDs medications, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and ketoprofen, alongside non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic medications like paracetamol. This article delves into their mechanisms of action against different pathways of platelet activation, aggregation and overall platelet functions, highlighting additional health-promoting properties of these anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, without neglecting the induced by these drugs' side-effects on platelets' functionality and thrombocytopenia. Environmental issues emerging from the ever-increased subscription of these drugs are also discussed, along with the need for novel water treatment methodologies for their appropriate elimination from water and wastewater samples. Despite being efficiently eliminated during wastewater treatment processes on occasion, NSAIDs remain prevalent and are found at significant concentrations in water bodies that receive effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), since there is no one-size-fits-all solution for removing all contaminants from wastewater, depending on the specific characteristics of the wastewater. Several novel methods have been studied, with adsorption being proposed as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for wastewater purification from such drugs. This article also presents limitations and future prospects regarding the observed antiplatelet effects of NSAIDs, as well as the potential of novel derivatives of these compounds, with benefits in other important platelet functions.

Platelet phosphatidylserine exposure and microparticle production as health bioindicators in marine mammals

In human medicine, various pathologies, including decompression sickness, thrombocytopenia, and rheumatoid arthritis, have been linked to changes in cellular microparticles (MP) formation, particularly platelet microparticles (PMP). Similar disorders in marine mammals might be attributed to anthropogenic threats or illnesses, potentially impacting blood PMP levels. Thus, detecting platelet phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and PMP formation could serve as a crucial diagnostic and monitoring approach for these conditions in marine mammals. Our group has developed a methodology to assess real-time PS exposure and PMP formation specifically tailored for marine mammals. This method, pioneered in species such as bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales, walruses, and California sea lions, represents a novel approach with significant implications for both clinical assessment and further research into platelet function in these animals. The adapted methodology for evaluating PS exposure and PMP formation in marine mammals has yielded promising results. By applying this approach, we have observed significant correlations between alterations in PMP levels and specific pathologies or environmental factors. These findings underscore the potential of platelet function assessment as a diagnostic and monitoring tool in marine mammal health. The successful adaptation and application of this methodology in marine mammals highlight its utility for understanding and managing health concerns in these animals.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Phytochemicals Found in the Yucca Genus

The Yucca genus encompasses about 50 species native to North America. Species within the Yucca genus have been used in traditional medicine to treat pathologies related to inflammation. Despite its historical use and the popular notion of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there is a limited amount of research on this genus. To better understand these properties, this work aimed to analyze phytochemical composition through documentary research. This will provide a better understanding of the molecules and the mechanisms of action that confer such antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. About 92 phytochemicals present within the genus have reported antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects. It has been suggested that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are mainly generated through its free radical scavenging activity, the inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism, the decrease in TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), iNOS (Inducible nitric oxide synthase), and IL-1β (Interleukin 1β) concentration, the increase of GPx (Glutathione peroxidase), CAT (Catalase), and SOD (Superoxide dismutase) concentration, and the inhibition of the MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase), and NF-κB (Nuclear factor kappa B), and the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor) signaling pathway. These studies provide evidence of its use in traditional medicine against pathologies related to inflammation. However, more models and studies are needed to properly understand the activity of most plants within the genus, its potency, and the feasibility of its use to help manage or treat chronic inflammation.

Assessment of drugs administered in the Middle East as part of the COVID-19 management protocols

The pandemic spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported first at the end of 2019. It continues disturbing various human aspects with multiple pandemic waves showing more fatal novel variants. Now Egypt faces the sixth wave of the pandemic with controlled governmental measures. COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease-causing mild to moderate illness that can be progressed into life-threatening complications based on patients- and variant type-related factors. The symptoms vary from dry cough, fever to difficulty in breathing that required urgent hospitalization. Most countries have authorized their national protocols for managing manifested symptoms and thus lowering the rate of patients' hospitalization and boosting the healthcare systems. These protocols are still in use even with the development and approval of several vaccines. These protocols were instructed to aid home isolation, bed rest, dietary supplements, and additionally the administration of antipyretic, steroids, and antiviral drugs. The current review aimed to highlight the administered protocols in the Middle East, namely in Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia demonstrating how these protocols have shown potential effectiveness in treating patients and saving many soles.

Counts of hyaluronic acid-containing extracellular vesicles decrease in naturally occurring equine osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with inadequately understood pathogenesis leading to pain and functional limitations. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by synovial joint cells can induce both pro- and anti-OA effects. Hyaluronic acid (HA) lubricates the surfaces of articular cartilage and is one of the bioactive molecules transported by EVs. In humans, altered EV counts and composition can be observed in OA synovial fluid (SF), while EV research is in early stages in the horse-a well-recognized OA model. The aim was to characterize SF EVs and their HA cargo in 19 horses. SF was collected after euthanasia from control, OA, and contralateral metacarpophalangeal joints. The SF HA concentrations and size distribution were determined with a sandwich-type enzyme-linked sorbent assay and size-exclusion chromatography. Ultracentrifugation followed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were utilized to quantify small EVs, while confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and image analysis characterized larger EVs. The number and size distribution of small EVs measured by NTA were unaffected by OA, but these results may be limited by the lack of hyaluronidase pre-treatment of the samples. When visualized by CLSM, the number and proportion of larger HA-containing EVs (HA-EVs) decreased in OA SF (generalized linear model, count: p = 0.024, %: p = 0.028). There was an inverse association between the OA grade and total EV count, HA-EV count, and HA-EV % (r_s = - 0.264 to - 0.327, p = 0.012-0.045). The total HA concentrations were also lower in OA (generalized linear model, p = 0.002). To conclude, the present study discovered a potential SF biomarker (HA-EVs) for naturally occurring equine OA. The roles of HA-EVs in the pathogenesis of OA and their potential as a joint disease biomarker and therapeutic target warrant future studies.

Clinical pharmacology of antiplatelet drugs

INTRODUCTION

Platelets play a key role in arterial thrombosis and antiplatelet therapy is pivotal in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Current antiplatelet drugs target different pathways of platelet activation and show specific pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics, implicating clinically relevant drug-drug interactions.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the role of platelets in hemostasis and cardiovascular thrombosis, and discusses the key pharmacodynamics, drug-drug interactions and reversal strategies of clinically used antiplatelet drugs.

EXPERT OPINION

Antiplatelet therapies target distinct pathways of platelet activation: thromboxane A₂ synthesis, adenosine diphosphate-mediated signaling, integrin α_IIbβ₃ (GPIIb/IIIa), thrombin-mediated platelet activation via the PAR1 receptor and phosphodiesterases. Key clinical drug-drug interactions of antiplatelet agents involve acetylsalicylic acid - ibuprofen, clopidogrel - omeprazole, and morphine - oral P2Y₁₂ inhibitors, all of which lead to an attenuated antiplatelet effect. Platelet function and genetic testing and the use of scores (ARC-HBR, PRECISE-DAPT, ESC ischemic risk definition) may contribute to a more tailored antiplatelet therapy. High on-treatment platelet reactivity presents a key problem in the acute management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A treatment strategy involving early initiation of an intravenous antiplatelet agent may be able to bridge the gap of insufficient platelet inhibition in high ischemic risk patients with STEMI.

Association between platelet, white blood cell count, platelet to white blood cell ratio and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults: focus on Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a progressive age-related skeletal muscle disorder associated with harmful impacts on health. The present study aimed to investigate the relation between sarcopenia, platelet (PLT), white blood cell (WBC), and PLT to WBC ratio (PWR) due to the importance of early sarcopenia diagnosis.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted based on the second stage of the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) Program. Sarcopenia was defined based on the revised edition of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) in accordance with the Iranian cut-off point. Univariate and adjusted multivariate logistic regression and linear regression were used to evaluate the associations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sarcopenia among participants was 35.73%. PLT count and PWR were statistically higher in severe sarcopenic participants, while no differences were seen in WBC. In crude analysis, sarcopenia was not associated with quartiles of PLT, WBC, and PWR, while after adjusting for age, marital status, and sex, the association was seen in the fourth quartile of PLT and PWR [OR (95%CI) = 1.40 (1.08 to 1.81), p-value = 0.009 for PLT; OR (95%CI) =1.55 (1.20 to 2.00), p-value =0.001 for PWR]. This association remained significant in the fully adjusted model [OR (95%CI) =1.82 (1.20 to 2.78), p-value =0.005 for PLT; OR (95%CI) =1.57 (1.03 to 2.40), p-value =0.035 for PWR]. Among sarcopenia parameters, PLT count was more likely to be associated with handgrip strength and muscle mass. After stratifying the participants by gender, sarcopenia parameters were no longer statistically significant in men.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that PLT and PWR were associated with sarcopenia after considering confounding factors, while this association was not seen in WBC. Moreover, results showed that gender had an important impact on sarcopenia parameters.

Antiplatelet drugs and liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis results from an imbalance between extracellular matrix formation and degradation. The background of liver fibrosis is chronic inflammation and subsequent microcirculation disturbance including microthrombosis. Platelets actively participate in liver fibrosis not only as a part of the clotting system but also by releasing granules containing important mediators. In fact, platelets may play a dual role in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis as they are able to stimulate regeneration as well as aggravate the destruction of the liver. Recent studies revealed that antiplatelet therapy correlates with inhibition of liver fibrosis. However, liver impairment is associated with extensive coagulation disorders thus the safety of antiplatelet therapy is an area for detailed exploration. In this review, the role of platelets in liver fibrosis and accompanying hemostatic disorders are discussed. Additionally, results of animal and human studies on antiplatelet drugs in liver disorders and their potential therapeutic utility are presented.

Platelet Count and Volume and Pharmacological Closure with Paracetamol of Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants

Background: Low platelet count might promote resistance to pharmacological closure with indomethacin and ibuprofen of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA). However, no studies have investigated if this occurs with paracetamol. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the correlation between platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and plateletcrit (PCT), as well as the effectiveness of paracetamol in closing hsPDA in infants born at 23⁺⁰–31⁺⁶ weeks of gestation who were treated with 15 mg/kg/6 h of i.v. paracetamol for 3 days. Results: We studied 79 infants: 37 (47%) Had closure after a course of paracetamol and 42 (53%) did not. Platelet count and PCT did not correlate with paracetamol success or failure in closing hsPDA, while MPV was lower at birth (10.7 ± 1.4 vs. 9.5 ± 1.1; p < 0.001) and prior to starting therapy (11.7 ± 1.9 vs. 11.0 ± 1.6; p = 0.079) in refractory infants. Regression analysis confirmed that the low MVP measured prior to starting the treatment increased the risk of hsPDA paracetamol closure failure (OR 1.664, 95% CI 1.153–2.401). Conclusions: The greater MPV correlated positively with the effectiveness of paracetamol in closing hsPDA, while platelet count and PCT did not influence closure rates. Additional studies are needed to confirm our results.

Potential roles of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in chronic inflammatory pain and the mechanisms of therapy drugs

Observational findings achieved that gut microbes mediate human metabolic health and disease risk. The types of intestinal microorganisms depend on the intake of food and drugs and are also related to their metabolic level and genetic factors. Recent studies have shown that chronic inflammatory pain is closely related to intestinal microbial homeostasis. Compared with the normal intestinal flora, the composition of intestinal flora in patients with chronic inflammatory pain had significant changes in Actinomycetes, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, etc. At the same time, short-chain fatty acids and amino acids, the metabolites of intestinal microorganisms, can regulate neural signal molecules and signaling pathways, thus affecting the development trend of chronic inflammatory pain. Glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of chronic inflammatory pain, the main mechanism is to affect the secretion of inflammatory factors and the abundance of intestinal bacteria. This article reviews the relationship between intestinal microorganisms and their metabolites on chronic inflammatory pain and the possible mechanism.

Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Rotator Cuff Repair: Are We Adhering to the Minimum Information for Studies Evaluating Biologics in Orthopaedics?

Background

The therapeutic efficacy of orthobiologic therapies for rotator cuff repair is difficult to evaluate owing to reporting inconsistences. In response, the Minimum Information for Studies Evaluating Biologics in Orthopaedics (MIBO) guidelines were developed to ensure standard reporting on orthobiologic therapies.

Purpose

To systematically review clinical studies evaluating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for full-thickness rotator cuff repair and adherence to MIBO guidelines.

Study Design

Scoping review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A search was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies reporting on rotator cuff tears (≥1 cm) surgically repaired with PRP. Patient demographics, biologic intervention, and adherence to the MIBO guidelines were systematically reviewed.

Results

A total of 19 studies (1005 patients) were included in this review. Across all studies, 58.5% of the MIBO checklist items for PRP were reported. Out of 47 checklist items, 19 were reported in over 85% of studies, whereas 22 were reported in less than half of studies. Details of whole-blood processing and characteristics, as well as PRP processing and characteristics, were reported inconsistently, and no study provided adequate information to enable the precise replication of preparation protocols for PRP.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the current reporting deficiencies within the scientific literature of important variables for evaluating PRP for full-thickness rotator cuff repair. There was widespread variability among published studies that evaluate PRP for this application and, more specifically, studies were limited by inconsistent universal reporting of whole-blood and PRP processing and postprocessing characteristics. To improve our understanding of biologic efficacy and to promote repeatability, stricter adherence to the MIBO guidelines is necessary. We propose that the checklist limitations be addressed and that modification of the MIBO guidelines be considered to improve the reporting of individual components within certain categories.

Evaluation of the in vitro anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Origanum syriacum and Salvia lanigera leaves

In this study, the chemical compositions of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Origanum syriacum and Salvia lanigera were identified based on GC-MS spectrometric analyses. The in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of the different extracts was evaluated by determining the membrane stabilization of human red blood cells and the percent inhibition of the COX1/2, 5LOX, and sPLA2-V enzymes. Both ethanolic extracts showed maximum membrane stabilization (≤ 91%, at 100 μg/mL) compared to the aqueous extracts (≤ 45%) and the reference drug diclofenac sodium (90.75%). The membrane-stabilizing effects of the ethanolic extracts could be directly correlated to their anti-inflammatory activity. While both ethanolic fractions strongly inhibited the 5LOX and COX-1 enzymes at 100 μg/mL, only the O. syriacum ethanolic extract selectively inhibited sPLA2-V (99.35%, at 50 μg/mL). The differences in the pharmacological efficiencies of the different extracts could be attributed to the variation in their chemical compositions particularly the content of oxygenated monoterpenoids. Additionally, none of the ethanolic extracts demonstrated cytotoxicity to human colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and Lovo), even at the highest concentration tested (200 μg/mL). The safe profiles of these extracts towards the tested cell lines may be due to the absence of the toxic phthalic acid ester substances. Collectively, these findings clearly suggest that the studied ethanolic extracts of O. syriacum and S. lanigera can be considered interesting candidates for the treatment of human inflammatory diseases related to oxidative stress and microbial infections.

Paracetamol-Induced Glutathione Consumption: Is There a Link With Severe COVID-19 Illness?

COVID-19 pandemic is posing an unprecedented sanitary threat: antiviral and host-directed medications to treat the disease are urgently needed. A great effort has been paid to find drugs and treatments for hospitalized, severely ill patients. However, medications used for the domiciliary management of early symptoms, notwithstanding their importance, have not been and are not presently regarded with the same attention and seriousness. In analogy with other airways viral infections, COVID-19 patients in the early phase require specific antivirals (still lacking) and non-etiotropic drugs to lower pain, fever, and control inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol (PAC) are widely used as non-etiotropic agents in common airways viral infections and hence are both theoretically repurposable for COVID-19. However, a warning from some research reports and National Authorities raised NSAIDs safety concerns because of the supposed induction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) levels (the receptor used by SARS-CoV2 to enter host airways cells), the increased risk of bacterial superinfections and masking of disease symptoms. As a consequence, the use of NSAIDs was, and is still, discouraged while the alternative adoption of paracetamol is still preferred. On the basis of novel data and hypothesis on the possible role of scarce glutathione (GSH) levels in the exacerbation of COVID-19 and of the GSH depleting activity of PAC, this commentary raises the question of whether PAC may be the better choice.