ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Microparticles are known to be increased in various malignancies. In this prospective study, microparticle levels were evaluated in patients with benign and malignant ovarian lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Microparticles from platelets/megakaryocytes, activated platelets and endothelial cells, tissue factor exposing microparticles and D-dimer values were examined in patients with newly diagnosed ovarian lesions before surgery, and were correlated with tumor histology. RESULTS: Higher counts of CD63-positive microparticles were detected in patients with ovarian cancer [mean=276×10(6) (range: 64-948)/l; n=12] as compared to patients with benign ovarian tumors [146×10(6) (45-390)/l; n=21; p=0.014]. D-dimer values were also increased in patients with cancer [860 (180-4500) ng/l versus 280 (170-2720) ng/l; p=0.001]. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of CD63-positive microparticles and D-dimer reflect the procoagulant phenotype of these patients. However, for the discrimination between benign and malignant ovarian tumors, measuring preoperative levels of microparticles does not seem to be helpful.
Subject(s)
Cell-Derived Microparticles/chemistry , Ovarian Neoplasms/blood , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Annexin A5/metabolism , Case-Control Studies , Cell-Derived Microparticles/pathology , Female , Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis , Humans , Integrin beta3/blood , Middle Aged , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Prospective Studies , Tetraspanin 30/blood , Thromboplastin/analysisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microparticles (MP) are membrane vesicles with thrombogenic and immunomodulatory properties. We determined MP subgroups from resting platelets, activated platelets and endothelial cells in donors and apheresis platelet concentrates (PC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: MP were double stained with annexin V and CD61 (platelet-derived MP; PMP), P-selectin or CD63 (MP from activated platelets) and CD144 plus E-selectin (endothelial cell-derived MP; EMP) and detected by flow cytometry in platelet donors (n=36) and apheresis PC (n=11; Trima™). RESULTS: PC contained MP, mainly from resting platelets [93% (90-95)], and minor fractions of PMP from activated platelets [P-selectin(+) or CD63(+); 4·8% (3·2-7·7) and 2·6% (2·0-4·0)]. Compared to donors, levels of annexin V+ MP, PMP, P-selectin(+) and CD63(+) MP were 1·7-, 2·3-, 8·6- and 3·1-fold higher in PC (all P<0·05). During storage (1-5 days), levels of annexin V+ MP and PMP did not increase, although small increases in the fraction of P-selectin(+) or CD63(+) MP occurred (both P<0·05). PC also contained EMP, which were 2·6- to 3·7-fold enriched in PC compared to donors (P<0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion of apheresis PC also results in transfusion of HLA-carrying PMP and EMP. This might counteract the aim of reducing transfused HLA load by leucodepletion. The increases in PMP exposing P-selectin or CD63 reflect mild platelet activation during storage. We conclude that in leucodepleted platelet apheresis using fluidized particle bed technology, MP are harvested mainly from the donor by apheresis. Improvement in apheresis technology might reduce MP load.
