Do determinants of platelet function co-segregate with genetic markers of type 1 diabetes mellitus?: Analysis of platelet and fibrinolytic parameters in families with type 1 diabetes mellitus

This study examined the significance of selected parameters of primary haemostasis to discriminate between relatives of children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Platelet function, including markers of spontaneous and agonist-induced platelet activation (CD62), platelet consumption (microparticles) and clumping (aggregates), as well as selected parameters of the fibrinolytic system (t-PA and PAI-1), were studied in IDDM children (n = 45), their parents (n = 65), siblings (n = 17) and unrelated healthy controls (n = 51). The fraction of activated platelets circulating in whole blood amounted to 4.3±2.1% in IDDM children, and significantly exceeded the level found in parents (1.3±0.7%, P < 0.002), siblings (1.2±1.0%, P < 0.002), and controls (1.2±0.6%, P < 0.002). Furthermore, an enhanced formation of platelet microparticles was observed in the IDDM group, both in resting platelets and also when platelets were stimulated with thrombin. Significantly decreased total PAI-1 occurred in IDDM chi...