BACKGROUND Platelet activation is consistently observed in animal models of Helicobacter pylori infection and could help to explain the alleged epidemiological association between H. pylori and coronary heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-two patients with recent acute coronary syndromes were enrolled. Helicobacter pylori-positive patients were randomized to receive a 7-day course of ...

BACKGROUND The Mirasol pathogen reduction technology (PRT) system uses riboflavin and ultraviolet light and is currently approved and used in Europe for the treatment of platelets and plasma. Mirasol treatment is intended to reduce the infectious pathogen load and to inactivate leukocytes in blood products. Our objective was to evaluate buffy coat platelet concentrates (BCPCs) prepared with pla...

Terminally mature megakaryocytes undergo dramatic cellular reorganization to produce hundreds of virtually identical platelets. A hallmark feature of this process is the generation of an elaborate system of branched protrusions called proplatelets. We recently identified RanBP10 as a tubulin-binding protein that is concentrated along polymerized microtubules in mature megakaryocytes. RanBP10 de...

INTRODUCTION Some polyphenolic compounds extracted from Aronia melanocarpa fruits (AM) have been reported to be cardioprotective agents. In this study we evaluated the ability of AM extract to increase the efficacy of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to inhibit platelet functions in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS THIS STUDY ENCOMPASSES TWO MODELS OF MONITORING PLATELET REACTIVITY:...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to confirm clinically a hypothesis that cilostazol inhibits leukocyte Mac-1, leading to prevention of post-stent restenosis. BACKGROUND The platelet phosphodiesterase III inhibitor called cilostazol also inhibits alpha-granule release of P-selectin in platelets. The P-selectin-mediated platelet-leukocyte interaction promotes activation and upregulation of ...

The platelet-rich fibrin-like matrix (PRFM) is usually prepared onsite and immediately used for regenerative therapy. Nonetheless, to meet the clinical necessity of preserving the PRFM without quality deterioration, we developed a method for preparation of PRFMs from short-term-stored whole blood (WB) samples. In this study, to evaluate the practical expiration date of storage, we extended the ...

BACKGROUND In addition to their cholesterol lowering ability, statins have proven pleiotropic effects in the cardiovascular system. Chronic inflammation with interactions between platelets and endothelial cells leads to an upregulation of activity markers of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of simvastatin and atorvastatin on platelets and endothelial cel...

Platelet-mediated clumping of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes (IEs) is a frequently observed parasite adhesion phenotype. The importance of clumping in severe malaria and the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon are incompletely understood. Three platelet surface molecules have previously been identified as clumping receptors: CD36, globular C1q receptor (gC1qR/HABP1/p32), an...

BACKGROUND Cocoa flavanols have strong anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. If these also occur in vivo, cocoa consumption may contribute to the prevention or treatment of diseases mediated by chronic inflammation. This critical review judged the evidence for such effects occurring after cocoa consumption. METHODS A literature search in Medline was performed for randomized controlled trials...

Nicotine is a primary constituent of tobacco and smoke, and its roles in causing addiction and causing disease are commonly conflated. In the present work, we investigated whether nicotine protects smokers' platelets against smoke-induced activation in vivo, raising a possible dilemma in harm-reduction strategies. In vivo platelet activation state (PAS) was measured by fixing blood at drawing a...