5613312 PLASMATIC MICROPARTICLES AS POTENTIAL BIOMARKERS IN THE PREVENTIVE DIAGNOSIS OF BETA THALASSEMIA

Abstract

Background: Plasmatic microparticles (MPs) are submicron (0.1–1 μm) extracellular vesicles that shed during plasma membrane remodeling in response to cell activation and apoptosis. Over the years, microparticles have evolved from their initial status being a cellular discharge mechanism, by which the cell got rid of unwanted materials, they are now considered as functional units produced in a regulated manner and having an important role in the maintenance of homeostasis. However, MPs also participate in the pathophysiology of several diseases such as beta thalassemia. It is a hemoglobinopathy characterized by reduced or absent synthesis of the beta-globin chain resulting in the excessive accumulation of unpaired alpha-globin chains which causes structural and functional alterations of the cytoplasmic membrane of thalassemic red blood cells. These alterations induce membrane budding and the release of MPs, which increases the risk of thrombotic complications observed in beta thalassemia patients. Aims: Therefore, our study suggests the research for plasmatic microparticles as potential cellular biomarkers and the establishment of a new innovative and predictive diagnosis strategy in order to avoid the thrombotic complications of beta thalassemia. Methods: Blood samples were taken from polytransfused beta thalassemia major patients clinically diagnosed at the National Bone Marrow Transplant Center in Tunis and from healthy donors. A cellular study was carried out by flow cytometry in order to quantify the apoptotic MPs derived from erythrocytes, platelets and endothelial cells using different antibodies and specific fluorescent dyes. Results: Our results showed a statistically significant increase in the number of apoptotic MPs, which suggests a high rate of apoptosis in the cells of the patients compared to those of the healthy controls. We also found that MPs derived from erythrocytes and endothelial cells were clearly elevated in beta thalassemia patients, suggesting their potential contribution to thrombotic risk. Conclusion: This discovery makes it possible to consider MPs as potential cellular biomarkers for preventive diagnosis in beta thalassemia.