Microparticles in cardiovascular diseases

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cardiovascular research 2003-08, Vol.59 (2), p.277-287
Main Authors: VANWIJK, Marja J, VANBAVEL, E, STURK, A, NIEUWLAND, R
Format: Article
Language:English
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
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0008-6363
1755-3245
DOI:10.1016/S0008-6363(03)00367-5