Abstract
Coronary artery disease continues to be the leading cause of death in developed countries. Elevated mean platelet volume (MPV) is associated with an increased incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) and MI-related mortality. Vitamin D concentrations affect the level and function of platelets, which are the crucial mediator of atherothrombosis and plaque rupture. The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with the platelet activity in patients with a history of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This prospective study recruited 268 patients with a history of MI who underwent coronary angiography due to the suspicion of another ACS. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was determined by electrochemiluminescence. Platelet activity was assessed using the MPV and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) parameters. There was no significant difference in MPV and P-LCR values between patients diagnosed with subsequent MI and patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). A significantly lower level of 25(OH)D was demonstrated in patients who had another MI compared to those with CCS (p < 0.05). No significant correlation of 25(OH)D concentrations with platelet activity parameters values was found. The subgroup of patients with consecutive MI was characterized by significantly lower serum vitamin D levels, but this was not related to the analyzed parameters of platelet activity.
Highlights
Platelets are the key factor that links inflammation with thrombosis, being an important part of the atherosclerotic process [1]
The main objective of this study was to assess whether elevated mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) and, the increased activity of thrombocytes is correlated with vitamin D levels in a cohort of patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI)
We confirmed that serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in subjects hospitalized due to the fact of subsequent MI compared with patients who had been diagnosed with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS)
Summary
Platelets are the key factor that links inflammation with thrombosis, being an important part of the atherosclerotic process [1]. The measurement of the thrombocyte size (mean platelet volume, MPV) and the percentage of platelet count (platelet-large cell ratio, P-LCR) are employed to assess the degree of thrombocyte stimulation, which is reflected in the process of blood clotting. MPV corresponds with the average platelet size and normally ranges from 7.5 to 10.5 fL, while P-LCR is the percentage of platelet count above 12 fL [2,3]. Larger thrombocytes contain more intracellular granules, which results in a greater thrombogenic potential and, in higher activity [4,5]. Certain cytokines exert a significant influence on the size and total count of circulating platelets. Interleukins 3 and 6 promote the production of larger, more potent thrombocytes [6,7]. The mean volume appears to influence the capability of platelets in atherothrombosis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call