Platelets, a Key Cell in Inflammation and Atherosclerosis Progression

Overview

Journal Cells

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Biophysics
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Date 2022 Mar 25

PMID 35326465

Authors

Ricardo Huilcaman

Whitney Venturini

Lucia Fuenzalida

Angel Cayo

Raul Segovia

Claudio Valenzuela

Nelson Brown

Rodrigo Moore-Carrasco

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Platelets play important roles in thrombosis-dependent obstructive cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it has now become evident that platelets also participate in the earliest stages of atherosclerosis, including the genesis of the atherosclerotic lesion. Moreover, while the link between platelet activity and hemostasis has been well established, the role of platelets as modulators of inflammation has only recently been recognized. Thus, through their secretory activities, platelets can chemically attract a diverse repertoire of cells to inflammatory foci. Although monocytes and lymphocytes act as key cells in the progression of an inflammatory event and play a central role in plaque formation and progression, there is also evidence that platelets can traverse the endothelium, and therefore be a direct mediator in the progression of atherosclerotic plaque. This review provides an overview of platelet interactions and regulation in atherosclerosis.

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