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Scheim DE, Parry PI, Rabbolini DJ, Aldous C, Yagisawa M, Clancy R, Borody TJ, Hoy WE. Back to the Basics of SARS-CoV-2 Biochemistry: Microvascular Occlusive Glycan Bindings Govern Its Morbidities and Inform Therapeutic Responses. Viruses 2024; 16:647. [PMID: 38675987 PMCID: PMC11054389 DOI: 10.3390/v16040647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Consistent with the biochemistry of coronaviruses as well established over decades, SARS-CoV-2 makes its initial attachment to host cells through the binding of its spike protein (SP) to sialylated glycans (containing the monosaccharide sialic acid) on the cell surface. The virus can then slide over and enter via ACE2. SARS-CoV-2 SP attaches particularly tightly to the trillions of red blood cells (RBCs), platelets and endothelial cells in the human body, each cell very densely coated with sialic acid surface molecules but having no ACE2 or minimal ACE2. These interlaced attachments trigger the blood cell aggregation, microvascular occlusion and vascular damage that underlie the hypoxia, blood clotting and related morbidities of severe COVID-19. Notably, the two human betacoronaviruses that express a sialic acid-cleaving enzyme are benign, while the other three-SARS, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-are virulent. RBC aggregation experimentally induced in several animal species using an injected polysaccharide caused most of the same morbidities of severe COVID-19. This glycan biochemistry is key to disentangling controversies that have arisen over the efficacy of certain generic COVID-19 treatment agents and the safety of SP-based COVID-19 vaccines. More broadly, disregard for the active physiological role of RBCs yields unreliable or erroneous reporting of pharmacokinetic parameters as routinely obtained for most drugs and other bioactive agents using detection in plasma, with whole-blood levels being up to 30-fold higher. Appreciation of the active role of RBCs can elucidate the microvascular underpinnings of other health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, and therapeutic opportunities to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E. Scheim
- US Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps, Inactive Reserve, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Peter I. Parry
- Children’s Health Research Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia;
- Department of Psychiatry, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - David J. Rabbolini
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2064, Australia
| | - Colleen Aldous
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa;
| | - Morimasa Yagisawa
- Satoshi Omura Memorial Research Institute, Kitasato University, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
- Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan
| | - Robert Clancy
- Emeritus Professor, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NE1 7RU, Australia
| | | | - Wendy E. Hoy
- Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
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Scheim DE, Vottero P, Santin AD, Hirsh AG. Sialylated Glycan Bindings from SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein to Blood and Endothelial Cells Govern the Severe Morbidities of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17039. [PMID: 38069362 PMCID: PMC10871123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Consistent with well-established biochemical properties of coronaviruses, sialylated glycan attachments between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) and host cells are key to the virus's pathology. SARS-CoV-2 SP attaches to and aggregates red blood cells (RBCs), as shown in many pre-clinical and clinical studies, causing pulmonary and extrapulmonary microthrombi and hypoxia in severe COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 SP attachments to the heavily sialylated surfaces of platelets (which, like RBCs, have no ACE2) and endothelial cells (having minimal ACE2) compound this vascular damage. Notably, experimentally induced RBC aggregation in vivo causes the same key morbidities as for severe COVID-19, including microvascular occlusion, blood clots, hypoxia and myocarditis. Key risk factors for COVID-19 morbidity, including older age, diabetes and obesity, are all characterized by markedly increased propensity to RBC clumping. For mammalian species, the degree of clinical susceptibility to COVID-19 correlates to RBC aggregability with p = 0.033. Notably, of the five human betacoronaviruses, the two common cold strains express an enzyme that releases glycan attachments, while the deadly SARS, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS do not, although viral loads for COVID-19 and the two common cold infections are similar. These biochemical insights also explain the previously puzzling clinical efficacy of certain generics against COVID-19 and may support the development of future therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 and long COVID patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Scheim
- US Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps, Inactive Reserve, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Paola Vottero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Alessandro D Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208063, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Vottero P, Tavernini S, Santin AD, Scheim DE, Tuszynski JA, Aminpour M. Computational Prediction of the Interaction of Ivermectin with Fibrinogen. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11449. [PMID: 37511206 PMCID: PMC10380762 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypercoagulability and formation of extensive and difficult-to-lyse microclots are a hallmark of both acute COVID-19 and long COVID. Fibrinogen, when converted to fibrin, is responsible for clot formation, but abnormal structural and mechanical clot properties can lead to pathologic thrombosis. Recent experimental evidence suggests that the spike protein (SP) from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may directly bind to the blood coagulation factor fibrinogen and induce structurally abnormal blood clots with heightened proinflammatory activity. Accordingly, in this study, we used molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the potential activity of the antiparasitic drug ivermectin (IVM) to prevent the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 SP to fibrinogen and reduce the occurrence of microclots. Our computational results indicate that IVM may bind with high affinity to multiple sites on the fibrinogen peptide, with binding more likely in the central, E region, and in the coiled-coil region, as opposed to the globular D region. Taken together, our in silico results suggest that IVM may interfere with SP-fibrinogen binding and, potentially, decrease the formation of fibrin clots resistant to degradation. Additional in vitro studies are warranted to validate whether IVM binding to fibrinogen is sufficiently stable to prevent interaction with the SP, and potentially reduce its thrombo-inflammatory effect in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Vottero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada; (P.V.); (M.A.)
| | - Scott Tavernini
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada;
| | - Alessandro D. Santin
- Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208063, New Haven, CT 06520-8063, USA;
| | - David E. Scheim
- US Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps, Inactive Reserve, Blacksburg, VA 24060-6367, USA;
| | - Jack A. Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
- DIMEAS, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, The Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Maral Aminpour
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada; (P.V.); (M.A.)
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Weber C, Blanchet X, Lip GYH. Thrombosis and Haemostasis 2022 Editors' Choice Papers. Thromb Haemost 2023; 123:123-130. [PMID: 36626900 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Xavier Blanchet
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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He S, Wu K, Cheng Z, He M, Hu R, Fan N, Shen L, Li Q, Fan H, Tong Y. Long COVID: The latest manifestations, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e196. [PMID: 36514781 PMCID: PMC9732402 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection affects humans not only during the acute phase of the infection, but also several weeks to 2 years after the recovery. SARS-CoV-2 infects a variety of cells in the human body, including lung cells, intestinal cells, vascular endothelial cells, olfactory epithelial cells, etc. The damages caused by the infections of these cells and enduring immune response are the basis of long COVID. Notably, the changes in gene expression caused by viral infection can also indirectly contribute to long COVID. We summarized the occurrences of both common and uncommon long COVID, including damages to lung and respiratory system, olfactory and taste deficiency, damages to myocardial, renal, muscle, and enduring inflammation. Moreover, we provided potential treatments for long COVID symptoms manifested in different organs and systems, which were based on the pathogenesis and the associations between symptoms in different organs. Importantly, we compared the differences in symptoms and frequency of long COVID caused by breakthrough infection after vaccination and infection with different variants of concern, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of long COVID and propose improvement for tackling COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi‐ting He
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Kexin Wu
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Zixuan Cheng
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Mengjie He
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Ruolan Hu
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Ning Fan
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Lin Shen
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Qirui Li
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces Hemagglutination: Implications for COVID-19 Morbidities and Therapeutics and for Vaccine Adverse Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415480. [PMID: 36555121 PMCID: PMC9779393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental findings for SARS-CoV-2 related to the glycan biochemistry of coronaviruses indicate that attachments from spike protein to glycoconjugates on the surfaces of red blood cells (RBCs), other blood cells and endothelial cells are key to the infectivity and morbidity of COVID-19. To provide further insight into these glycan attachments and their potential clinical relevance, the classic hemagglutination (HA) assay was applied using spike protein from the Wuhan, Alpha, Delta and Omicron B.1.1.529 lineages of SARS-CoV-2 mixed with human RBCs. The electrostatic potential of the central region of spike protein from these four lineages was studied through molecular modeling simulations. Inhibition of spike protein-induced HA was tested using the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin (IVM), which is indicated to bind strongly to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycan sites. The results of these experiments were, first, that spike protein from these four lineages of SARS-CoV-2 induced HA. Omicron induced HA at a significantly lower threshold concentration of spike protein than the three prior lineages and was much more electropositive on its central spike protein region. IVM blocked HA when added to RBCs prior to spike protein and reversed HA when added afterward. These results validate and extend prior findings on the role of glycan bindings of viral spike protein in COVID-19. They furthermore suggest therapeutic options using competitive glycan-binding agents such as IVM and may help elucidate rare serious adverse effects (AEs) associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, which use spike protein as the generated antigen.
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Ranjbar T, Oza PP, Kashfi K. The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, Nitric Oxide, and Hydrogen Sulfide at the Crossroads of Hypertension and COVID-19: Racial Disparities and Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213895. [PMID: 36430371 PMCID: PMC9699619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and is more severe in the elderly, racial minorities, and those with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. These pathologies are often controlled with medications involving the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). RAAS is an endocrine system involved in maintaining blood pressure and blood volume through components of the system. SARS-CoV-2 enters the cells through ACE2, a membrane-bound protein related to RAAS. Therefore, the use of RAAS inhibitors could worsen the severity of COVID-19's symptoms, especially amongst those with pre-existing comorbidities. Although a vaccine is currently available to prevent and reduce the symptom severity of COVID-19, other options, such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide, may also have utility to prevent and treat this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Ranjbar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Palak P. Oza
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence:
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Oza PP, Kashfi K. Utility of NO and H 2S donating platforms in managing COVID-19: Rationale and promise. Nitric Oxide 2022; 128:72-102. [PMID: 36029975 PMCID: PMC9398942 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections are a continuing global burden on the human population, underscored by the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Current treatment options and supportive therapies for many viral infections are relatively limited, indicating a need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Virus-induced damage occurs through direct infection of host cells and inflammation-related changes. Severe cases of certain viral infections, including COVID-19, can lead to a hyperinflammatory response termed cytokine storm, resulting in extensive endothelial damage, thrombosis, respiratory failure, and death. Therapies targeting these complications are crucial in addition to antiviral therapies. Nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide are two endogenous gasotransmitters that have emerged as key signaling molecules with a broad range of antiviral actions in addition to having anti-inflammatory properties and protective functions in the vasculature and respiratory system. The enhancement of endogenous nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide levels thus holds promise for managing both early-stage and later-stage viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. Using SARS-CoV-2 as a model for similar viral infections, here we explore the current evidence regarding nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide's use to limit viral infection, resolve inflammation, and reduce vascular and pulmonary damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak P Oza
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, 10091, USA.
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Scheim DE. A Deadly Embrace: Hemagglutination Mediated by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein at Its 22 N-Glycosylation Sites, Red Blood Cell Surface Sialoglycoproteins, and Antibody. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2558. [PMID: 35269703 PMCID: PMC8910562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rouleaux (stacked clumps) of red blood cells (RBCs) observed in the blood of COVID-19 patients in three studies call attention to the properties of several enveloped virus strains dating back to seminal findings of the 1940s. For COVID-19, key such properties are: (1) SARS-CoV-2 binds to RBCs in vitro and also in the blood of COVID-19 patients; (2) although ACE2 is its target for viral fusion and replication, SARS-CoV-2 initially attaches to sialic acid (SA) terminal moieties on host cell membranes via glycans on its spike protein; (3) certain enveloped viruses express hemagglutinin esterase (HE), an enzyme that releases these glycan-mediated bindings to host cells, which is expressed among betacoronaviruses in the common cold strains but not the virulent strains, SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS. The arrangement and chemical composition of the glycans at the 22 N-glycosylation sites of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and those at the sialoglycoprotein coating of RBCs allow exploration of specifics as to how virally induced RBC clumping may form. The in vitro and clinical testing of these possibilities can be sharpened by the incorporation of an existing anti-COVID-19 therapeutic that has been found in silico to competitively bind to multiple glycans on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Scheim
- US Public Health Service, Commissioned Officer, Inactive Reserve, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
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Inflammatory Mediators of Platelet Activation: Focus on Atherosclerosis and COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011170. [PMID: 34681830 PMCID: PMC8539848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory and thrombotic state, leading to devastating complications with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Summary: In this review article, we present the available evidence regarding the impact of inflammation on platelet activation in atherosclerosis. Key messages: In the context of a dysfunctional vascular endothelium, structural alterations by means of endothelial glycocalyx thinning or functional modifications through impaired NO bioavailability and increased levels of von Willebrand factor result in platelet activation. Moreover, neutrophil-derived mediators, as well as neutrophil extracellular traps formation, have been implicated in the process of platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte aggregation. The role of pro-inflammatory cytokines is also critical since their receptors are also situated in platelets while TNF-α has also been found to induce inflammatory, metabolic, and bone marrow changes. Additionally, important progress has been made towards novel concepts of the interaction between inflammation and platelet activation, such as the toll-like receptors, myeloperoxidase, and platelet factor-4. The accumulating evidence is especially important in the era of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, characterized by an excessive inflammatory burden leading to thrombotic complications, partially mediated by platelet activation. Lastly, recent advances in anti-inflammatory therapies point towards an anti-thrombotic effect secondary to diminished platelet activation.
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