Microparticles in cardiovascular diseases

• Published in: Cardiovascular research Vol. 59; no. 2; pp. 277 - 287
• Main Authors: VANWIJK, Marja J, VANBAVEL, E, STURK, A, NIEUWLAND, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.08.2003
• Subjects: Abciximab; Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use; Anticoagulants - therapeutic use; Antioxidants - therapeutic use; Apoptosis; Ascorbic Acid - therapeutic use; Atherosclerosis (general aspects, experimental research); Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Blood Coagulation; Blood Platelets - metabolism; Calcium - metabolism; Calcium Channel Blockers - therapeutic use; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cardiovascular Diseases - blood; Cardiovascular Diseases - pathology; Cardiovascular Diseases - physiopathology; Endothelium, Vascular - physiopathology; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments - therapeutic use; Inflammation; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Medical sciences; Membrane Lipids - metabolism; Platelet Activation; Subcellular Fractions - ultrastructure; Human; Composition; Pathophysiology; Cardiovascular disease; Activation; Biosynthesis; Endothelial function; Coronary disease; Thrombosis; Biological activity; Regulation(control); Hemostasis; Microparticle; Platelets; Cell; Apoptosis
• ISSN: 0008-6363; 1755-3245
• DOI: 10.1016/S0008-6363(03)00367-5

Microparticles are membrane vesicles released from many different cell types. There are two mechanisms that can result in their formation, cell activation and apoptosis. In these two mechanisms, different pathways are involved in microparticle generation. Microparticle generation seems to be a well regulated process. Microparticles vary in size, phospholipid and protein composition. They have a potent pro-inflammatory effect, promote coagulation and affect vascular function. Since these processes are all involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and circulating microparticle numbers are altered in many cardiovascular diseases, a role for microparticles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases is likely. Although hard evidence for a role of microparticles in cardiovascular diseases at present is still only limited, new evidence is accumulating rapidly to support this theory. Elucidation of the microparticle composition and the mechanisms involved in exertion of their effects will supply this evidence and enable us to develop additional intervention strategies for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.