Platelet-Derived Microparticles (MPs) and Thrombin Generation Velocity in Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Results of a Case–Control Study

Salvatore Santo Signorelli,1 Gea Oliveri Conti,2 Maria Fiore,2 Federica Cangiano,2 Pietro Zuccarello,2 Agostino Gaudio,1 Margherita Ferrante2 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; 2Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, ItalyCorrespondence: Salvatore Santo SignorelliDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, via S.Sofia, Catania I-95123, ItalyTel +39 0953782545Fax +39 0953782376Email ssignore@unict.itIntroduction: The role of platelets (Ps) and platelet-derived microparticles (MPs) in venous thromboembolism (VTE) is still being debated.Methods: We measured MPs, velocity of thrombin formation (PiCT) and phospholipid generation (PLPs) in 40 patients with unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (DVT), who were compared with 40 healthy controls.Results: MPs were higher in DVT (7.12 nM; 25th– 75th percentile 5.26– 9.12) than in controls (5.45 nM; 25th– 75th percentile 1.67– 8.96) (p = 0.19). PiCT velocity was lower in DVT (1.87 sec; 25th– 75th percentile 1.75– 1.93 sec) compared with controls (1.95 sec; 25th– 75th percentile 1.84– 2.24 sec) (p = 0.04). PLPs were higher in DVT (77.03 μg/mL; 25th– 75th percentile 72.12– 103.59 μg/mL) compared with controls (68.65 μg/mL, 25th– 75th percentile 55.31– 78.20 μg/mL) (p = 0.02).Discussion: We hypothesize that MPs could be integrated with the lab network assay in evaluating Ps’ role as an activated procoagulative condition. We encourage research on Ps and P-derived microvesicle pathways in patients with unprovoked DVT and not only in patients with cancer-induced DVT.Keywords: deep vein thrombosis, microparticles, platelet, extracellular vesicles, biomarkers