A new rapid method to measure human platelet cholesterol: a pilot study

Hematological Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Clinically Confirmed Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Background and Aims. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder of lipid metabolism which leads to premature cardiovascular diseases. In patients with FH, blood inflammatory markers may be disrupted; however, its extent is unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio), PLR (platelet count to lymphocyte count ratio), MPV (mean platelet volume), RPR (red blood cell distribution width to platelet count ratio), WBC (white blood cell), and PDW (platelet distribution width and platelet count). Methods. The patients were selected from laboratories due to high cholesterol level and who had history of premature cardiovascular disease. The Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria are used for the detection of FH. Controls had a history of hyperlipidemia, and both groups could be on pharmacotherapy or not. All the biochemical markers were evaluated using appreciate methods. Statistical analysis was done using STATA 14. Results. The study group consisted of 1074 patients with FH and 473 control cases. Of the CBC inflammatory markers, only PLR was significantly ( $p\text{value}=0.003$ ) higher in FH patients ( $7.96\pm 10.08$ ) compared to non-FH ( $6.45\pm 2.44$ ). In FH patients, the PLR was significantly higher in probable/definite FH group ( $9.70\pm 14.06$ ) compared to possible FH ( $7.36\pm 8.23$ ) ( $p\text{value}<0.001$ ). Linear regression analysis showed that only RLR was independently associated with total cholesterol ( $b=0.000$ , $p=0.13$ ). Conclusions. Our results may show the importance of high cholesterol on platelet activity and highlight the use of lipid lowering drugs in patients with hyperlipidemia.

Adult Neurogenesis in the Songbird: Region-Specific Contributions of New Neurons to Behavioral Plasticity and Stability

Our understanding of the role of new neurons in learning and encoding new information has been largely based on studies of new neurons in the mammalian dentate gyrus and olfactory bulb - brain regions that may be specialized for learning. Thus the role of new neurons in regions that serve other functions has yet to be fully explored. The song system provides a model for studying new neuron function in brain regions that contribute differently to song learning, song auditory discrimination, and song motor production. These regions subserve learning as well as long-term storage of previously learned information. This review examines the differences between learning-based and activity-based retention of new neurons and explores the potential contributions of new neurons to behavioral stability in the song motor production pathway.

Increased Mean Platelet Volume in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism and increases the risk of premature cardiovascular diseases. In patients with FH, platelet function may be activated; however, the extent of this activation and its etiology are unclear. We aimed to evaluate the mean platelet volume (MPV), a marker of platelet activation, in patients with FH. The study group consisted of 164 patients with FH and 160 control patients. Controls were matched for age, gender, hypertension, and smoking. The MPV was significantly higher in patients with FH than in controls (9.2 ± 0.4 vs 7.9 ± 0.6 fL, respectively; P < .001). Platelet count was significantly lower among patients with FH when compared to control patients (259 ± 51 vs 272 ± 56 × 103/L, respectively; P = .03). In linear regression analysis, MPV was independently associated only with total cholesterol (β = .6, 95% confidence interval: 0.004-0.008, P < .001). We have shown that MPV was increased in patients with FH and that it was independently associated with total cholesterol level.

Effect of statins on platelet function in patients with hyperlipidemia

INTRODUCTION

It is generally assumed that cholesterol reduction by statins is the predominant therapeutic result underlying their beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease. However, the action of statins may be partially independent of their effects on plasma cholesterol levels, as they combine lipid lowering with positive effects on hemorheological conditions and endothelial function. We evaluated the impact of statin treatment on platelet adhesion to fibrinogen (spontaneous and ADP-activated), along with ADP, collagen or ristocetin-induced aggregation in type II hyperlipidemic patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group included 70 persons: 50 patients affected by type II hyperlipidemia without concomitant diseases and 20 healthy volunteers. The effects of 8-week statin treatment (atorvastatin 10 mg/day, simvastatin 20 mg/day, or pravastatin 20 mg/day) on platelet activation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Regardless of the type of statin, a significant decrease in ADP-induced platelet aggregation was observed: for atorvastatin 50.6 ±12.8% vs. 41.1 ±15.8% (p < 0.05), for simvastatin 57.2 ±18.0% vs. 44.7 ±22.1% (p = 0.05), and for pravastatin 55.8 ±19.5% vs. 38.8 ±23.3% (p < 0.05). There was no significant effect of statins on collagen or ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation and adhesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy with statins beneficially modifies ADP-induced platelet aggregation in patients with hyperlipidemia and does not affect spontaneous or ADP-induced platelet adhesion to fibrinogen and platelet aggregation induced by collagen or ristocetin.