1
|
Baaten CCFMJ, Nagy M, Bergmeier W, Spronk HMH, van der Meijden PEJ. Platelet biology and function: plaque erosion vs. rupture. Eur Heart J 2024; 45:18-31. [PMID: 37940193 PMCID: PMC10757869 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The leading cause of heart disease in developed countries is coronary atherosclerosis, which is not simply a result of ageing but a chronic inflammatory process that can lead to acute clinical events upon atherosclerotic plaque rupture or erosion and arterial thrombus formation. The composition and location of atherosclerotic plaques determine the phenotype of the lesion and whether it is more likely to rupture or to erode. Although plaque rupture and erosion both initiate platelet activation on the exposed vascular surface, the contribution of platelets to thrombus formation differs between the two phenotypes. In this review, plaque phenotype is discussed in relation to thrombus composition, and an overview of important mediators (haemodynamics, matrix components, and soluble factors) in plaque-induced platelet activation is given. As thrombus formation on disrupted plaques does not necessarily result in complete vessel occlusion, plaque healing can occur. Therefore, the latest findings on plaque healing and the potential role of platelets in this process are summarized. Finally, the clinical need for more effective antithrombotic agents is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constance C F M J Baaten
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Magdolna Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Bergmeier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Blood Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Henri M H Spronk
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Thrombosis Expertise Center, Heart+ Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debeyelaan 25, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Paola E J van der Meijden
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Thrombosis Expertise Center, Heart+ Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debeyelaan 25, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
MicroRNA and Hemostasis Profile of Carotid Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810974. [PMID: 36142883 PMCID: PMC9500617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid atherosclerosis (CA) is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke. We described the miRNA and hemostasis profile of patients with moderate and advanced stages of carotid atherosclerosis and elucidated potential correlations with hemostatic activation. A prospective case-control study included 61 patients with evidence of carotid atherosclerosis (via ultrasound). The study population was divided into groups depending on the degree of carotid artery stenosis: 60% or more (advanced) and <60% (moderate). All patients underwent the following blood tests: general blood test, hemostatic parameters and microRNA. Extraction of microRNA was performed using Leukocyte RNA Purification Kit (NORGEN Biotec Corp., Thorold, ON, Canada); miRNA quantification was performed via RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed in R programming language (v. 4.1.0) using RSudio. MicroRNA expression profile was different depending on CA degree. MiR-33a-5p/3p levels were higher in patients with ≥60% carotid stenosis (42.70 and 42.45 versus 38.50 and 38.50, respectively, p < 0.05). Almost complete separation can be visualized with the levels of miR-126-5p: 9.50 in the moderate CA group versus 5.25 in the advanced CA (p < 0.001). MiR-29-5p was higher in the moderate CA group: 28.60 [25.50;33.05] than in advanced CA group: 25.75 [24.38;29.50] (p = 0.086); miR-29-3p was also higher in the moderate CA group: 10.36 [8.60;14.99] than in advanced CA group: 8.46 [7.47;10.3] (p = 0.001). By-group pairwise correlation analyses revealed at least three clusters with significant positive correlations in the moderate CA group: miR-29-3p with factors V and XII (r = 0.53 and r = 0.37, respectively, p < 0.05); miR-21-5p with ADAMTS13, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and D-dimer (r = 0.42, r = 0.36 and r = 0.44, respectively, p < 0.05); stenosis degree with miR-33a-5p/3p and factor VIII levels (r = 0.43 (both) and r = 0.62, respectively, p < 0.05). Hemostasis parameters did not reveal significant changes in CA patients: the only statistically significant differences concerned factor VIII, plasminogen and (marginally significant) ADAMTS-13 and protein C. Down-regulation of miR-126-5p expression has been identified as a promising biomarker of advanced carotid atherosclerosis with high specificity and sensitivity. Correlation cluster analysis showed potential interplay between miRNAs and hemostatic activation in the setting of carotid atherosclerosis.
Collapse
|