Human Blood Platelets Research Articles

Thrombogenic collagen-mimetic peptides: Self-assembly of triple helix-based fibrils driven by hydrophobic interactions

Collagens are integral structural proteins in animal tissues and play key functional roles in cellular modulation. We sought to discover collagen model peptides (CMPs) that would form triple helices and self-assemble into supramolecular fibrils exhibiting collagen-like biological activity without preorganizing the peptide chains by covalent linkages. This challenging objective was accomplished by placing aromatic groups on the ends of a representative 30-mer CMP, (GPO)(10), as with l-phenylalanine and l-pentafluorophenylalanine in 32-mer 1a. Computational studies on homologous 29-mers 1a'-d' (one less GPO), as pairs of triple helices interacting head-to-tail, yielded stabilization energies in the order 1a' > 1b' > 1c' > 1d', supporting the hypothesis that hydrophobic aromatic groups can drive CMP self-assembly. Peptides 1a-d were studied comparatively relative to structural properties and ability to stimulate human platelets. Although each 32-mer formed stable triple helices (CD) spectroscopy, only 1a and 1b self-assembled into micrometer-scale fibrils. Light microscopy images for 1a depicted long collagen-like fibrils, whereas images for 1d did not. Atomic force microscopy topographical images indicated that 1a and 1b self-organize into microfibrillar species, whereas 1c and 1d do not. Peptides 1a and 1b induced the aggregation of human blood platelets with a potency similar to type I collagen, whereas 1c was much less effective, and 1d was inactive (EC(50) potency: 1a/1b >> 1c > 1d). Thus, 1a and 1b spontaneously self-assemble into thrombogenic collagen-mimetic materials because of hydrophobic aromatic interactions provided by the special end-groups. These findings have important implications for the design of biofunctional CMPs.

The effects of plasma-processing conditions on the morphology of adherent human blood platelets

Hematocompatibility and nonfouling properties of materials are crucial for the development of small-scale biomedical devices. This study examines the adhesion and morphology of purified human platelets on plasma-polymerized tetraglyme-coated glass substrates. The effect of varying the plasma-processing parameters on platelet responses was determined using scanning electron microscopy. Images of platelets on the coated surfaces show that a significant reduction in platelet adhesion and spreading can be achieved as the processing parameters are varied.

In Vitro Direct Repeats-mediated Deletion During PCR Amplification

While conducting our research on mutations in the human blood platelet glycoprotein Ib-alpha (GPIbalpha) gene, we detected an unusual deletion of 84 bp. This deletion took place in vitro, during PCR and between two direct repeats. It was observed that the deletion could be detected either by the direct sequencing of the PCR product or after the latter's cloning into a plasmid. After observing a series of four sequenced clones from the same individual, we noticed that while three had the same 84-bp deletion, the fourth exhibited a shorter one. We also noted that there were no cases wherein both deleted and undeleted amplicons coexisted and that several point mutations occurred in the sequence surrounding the deletion. Such Taq errors are statistically more frequent in the "deletion prone DNA" than usual. Interestingly, the deletion was observed only in a DNA, which we call here "deletion prone DNA", whose structure might have been particularly reorganized. Indeed, the mung bean nuclease pre-treatment of this DNA prior to PCR prevented the deletion, thus strengthening the hypothesis that an intra-strand hairpin structure was involved in the deletion process. Direct repeats-mediated deletion is well known in vivo but this is the first report of such "in vitro direct repeats deletion".

Imaging the interaction between dengue 2 virus and human blood platelets using atomic force and electron microscopy

Thrombocytopenia is frequently associated with dengue virus infection. Host factors such as anti-platelet immunopathogenic processes have been implicated in the origin of dengue-associated thrombocytopenia but the role of dengue virus in directly interacting with platelets and altering their hemostatic property remains incompletely understood. In the present study, we examined the effect of dengue 2 virus on the morphology and physiological activation profile of normal human platelets using atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy and flowcytometry. Platelets obtained from healthy donors were exposed to a cell culture-adapted 10(4) LD(50) dengue 2 virus isolate in vitro and the subsequent effect on morphology and activation biology studied. Our results show that dengue 2 virus exposure at doses comparable to natural viremic states in human infections can activate platelets with an increase in P-selectin expression and fibrinogen-binding property. Atomic force, scanning and transmission electron microscopy also showed typical activation-related morphological changes such as altered platelet membrane architecture, degranulation, presence of filopodia and dilatation of the open canalicular system in the dengue 2 virus-exposed platelets but not in the controls. Importantly, Japanese encephalitis virus exposure at the same dose did not activate platelets or show any morphological changes. Our findings suggest that dengue 2 virus may directly interact with and activate platelets - an event that might be important in the origin of dengue-associated thrombocytopenia. Detailed molecular characterization of this effect might provide key knowledge toward better prophylaxis of the hemostatic complications of dengue disease.

Antiplatelet activity of Croton celditifolius

Croton celtidifolius Baill is a tree found in the Atlantic Forest South of Brazil, mainly in Santa Catarina. The bark and leaf infusions of this medicinal plant have been popularly used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The anti-aggregant activity of C. celtidifolius crude extract (CE) and the column chromatography (CC) isolated compounds flavonoids, catechin and gallocatechin were evaluated in human blood platelets. The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was incubated with different concentrations of flavonoides (50 - 200 µg/mL) to be tested before platelet aggregation was induced by the agonists adenosine 5'diphosphate (ADP) and collagen. At 200 µg/mL the CE, catechin and gallocatechin markedly inhibited platelet aggregation with the aggregant agents. Using ATP production as an index of platelet secretory capacity, we observed a decreased production of ATP in platelets treated with flavonoids when stimulated by collagen. On the other hand, the flavonoids did not promote inhibitory effect on prothrombin time (PT), thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT). In conclusion, these observations suggest that C. celtidifolius is likely to exert an inhibitory action on platelets in vitro by suppressing secretion and platelet aggregation.

Inhibition of lung tumor colonization and cell migration with the disintegrin crotatroxin 2 isolated from the venom of Crotalus atrox

Disintegrins are low molecular weight proteins (4–15 kDa) with an RGD binding region at their binding loop. Disintegrin and disintegrin-like proteins are found in the venom of four families of snakes: Atractaspididae, Elapidae, Viperidae, and Colubridae. This report describes the biological activity of a disintegrin, crotatroxin 2, isolated by a three-step chromatography procedure from the venom of the Western diamondback rattlesnake ( Crotalus atrox). The intact molecular mass for crotatroxin 2 was 7.384 kDa and 71 amino acids. Crotatroxin 2 inhibited human whole blood platelet aggregation with an IC 50 of 17.5 nM, inhibited cell (66.3p) migration by 63%, and inhibited experimental lung tumor colonization in BALB/c mice at 1000 μg/kg. Our data suggest that while crotatroxin 2 inhibits platelet aggregation, cancer cell migration, and lung tumor colonization, it is done via different integrins.

Biological Variation of the Platelet Proteome in the Elderly Population and Its Implication for Biomarker Research

Knowledge about the extent of total variation experienced between samples from different individuals is of great importance for the design of not only proteomics but every clinical study. This variation defines the smallest statistically significant detectable signal difference when comparing two groups of individuals. We isolated platelets from 20 healthy human volunteers aged 56-100 years because this age group is most commonly encountered in the clinics. We determined the technical and total variation experienced in a proteome analysis using two-dimensional DIGE with IPGs in the pI ranges 4-7 and 6-9. Only spots that were reproducibly detectable in at least 90% of all gels (n = 908) were included in the study. All spots had a similar technical variation with a median coefficient of variation (cv) of about 7%. In contrast, spots showed a more diverse total variation between individuals with a surprisingly low median cv of only 18%. Because most known biomarkers show an effect size in a 1-2-fold range of their cv, any future clinical proteomics study with platelets will require an analytical method that is able to detect such small quantitative differences. In addition, we calculated the minimal number of samples (sample size) needed to detect given protein expression differences with statistical significance.

Apoptotic markers in human blood platelets treated with peroxynitrite

Platelets are anucleated cells that upon activation by agonists or during storage may develop apoptotic events. The role of peroxynitrite and its reactive intermediates in apoptotic process in blood platelets is unknown. In order to study the appearance of biomarkers of apoptosis in platelets after treatment with peroxynitrite and with thrombin different markers were chosen: annexin V binding (phosphatidylserine exposure), platelet microparticle formation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, caspase-3 activation and P-selectin expression. In gel-filtrated platelets treated with different concentrations of peroxynitrite (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 mM, 10 minute, 37°C) a significant increase of phosphatidylserine exposure (about 36% at the highest concentration, p < 0.01) and the platelet microparticle formation were observed. Peroxynitrite caused a dose-dependent caspase-3 activation and depolarization of mitochondrial potential. The same apoptotic markers were appeared in thrombin-activated platelets. Dose-dependent tyrosine nitration in platelet proteins caused by peroxynitrite was reduced in the presence of (−)-epicatechin. Moreover, (−)-epicatechin distinctly reduced the level of apoptotic markers. The obtained results indicate that peroxynitrite responsible for oxidative/nitrative stress and changes in platelet function may promote in vitro apoptotic events in human gel-filtrated platelets via intrinsic pathway. Nitration of tyrosine seems to be partly associated with the appearance of apoptotic markers in platelets.

Scavenger Receptor A and CD36 Are Implicated in Mediating Platelet Activation Induced by Oxidized Low- Density Lipoproteins

See ATVB 2007;2476–2483. CD36, previously known as GPIIIb or GPIV, is an 88-kDa membrane glycoprotein that was isolated from blood platelets soon after being identified on monocytes by monoclonal antibody OKM5. Cloning the CD36 gene showed this cell adhesion molecule to be a member of the scavenger receptor class B family. Moreover, it was observed that CD36 has the capacity to bind oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) but not acetylated lipoproteins. Scavenger receptor class A (SRA),1 also expressed on platelets and monocytes/macrophages, is a trimer of 77 kDa, that binds to acetylated and oxidized lipoproteins. SRA is closely associated to macrophage CD36 in initiating atherosclerotic lesions, in some studies but not all.2,3,4 Very little was known, up to now, on the role played by oxLDL in activating platelets via CD36 and SRA and promoting a prothrombotic phenotype. The study, in this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , by Suzanne Korporaal and coworkers,5 shows very elegantly that oxLDL, in tandem with CD36 and SRA, is activating platelets and potentially increasing the risk of thrombosis. This investigation brings some exciting data on a novel platelet-activating pathway triggered by partially oxidized (30% to 60%) LDL and mediated by the combined activity of CD36 and …

Class Prediction Models of Thrombocytosis Using Gene Profiling.

Human blood platelets contain unique and reproducible molecular signatures consisting of relatively small number of individual mRNA transcripts. Towards the goal of developing a molecular classification of platelet disorders, we have now developed and applied a unique microarray platform for the study of thrombocytosis. A 432-member gene list encompassing a subset of platelet- and leukocyte- restricted transcripts (with Arabidopsis probe elements as normalization controls) was used for the manufacturing of a customized platelet oligonucleotide (70-mer) gene chip (POC). In silico gene rank-intensity plots from sample RNAs [normal platelets (N=5); essential thrombocythemic platelets (ET; N=6); leukocytes (N=3)] hybridized to the Affymetrix HU133a gene chip validated the discriminatory capacity of the POC, which was then applied to a broader patient cohort. Gel-filtered platelets from normal controls (N=28), patients with ET (N=18), or patients with reactive thrombocytosis (RT; N=17) were used for RNA isolation, amplification, and Cy3:Cy5 co-hybridization using human universal RNA as reference. Genotyping for the presence of the JAK2 V617F mutation was established by pyrosequencing analysis using both genomic (leukocyte) DNA and platelet-derived mRNA. Initial two-way non-parametric ANOVA identified a 131-member gene list of differentially-expressed transcripts among the three subgroups (p<0.05), with no gender differences in healthy controls. Stepwise discriminant analysis delineated a 14-gene subset that appropriately classified 94% of original cases. Leave-one-out cross-validation using 3 of the 14 markers correctly classified 94% ET and 100% RT patients, independent of the presence of the JAK2 V617F mutation. Leave-one-out cross-validation using 6 of the 14 markers also correctly subclassified 88% ET patients with JAK2 V617F mutation (N = 8) and 90% of ET patients without such mutation (N = 10). These data (1) provide the first evidence for the existence of discriminatory molecular signatures among etiologically-diverse causes of thrombocytosis, (2) demonstrate the presence of distinct ET transcriptomic profiles substratified by JAK2 V617F genotype, and (3) provide the foundation for development of a clinically-useful classification scheme of genetic platelet disorders.

Comparative studies of the antioxidant effects of a naturally occurring resveratrol analogue – trans-3,3′,5,5′-tetrahydroxy-4′-methoxystilbene and resveratrol – against oxidation and nitration of biomolecules in blood platelets

The action of two phenolic compounds isolated from the bark of Yucca schidigera: trans-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene and its analogue -- resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene, present also in grapes and wine) on oxidative/nitrative stress induced by peroxynitrite (ONOO(-), which is strong physiological oxidant and inflammatory mediator) in human blood platelets was compared. The trans-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene, like resveratrol, significantly inhibited protein carbonylation and nitration (measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method) in the blood platelets treated with peroxynitrite (0.1 mM) and markedly reduced an oxidation of thiol groups of proteins (estimated with 5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitro-benzoic acid)] or glutathione (measured by high performance liquid chromatography method) in these cells. The trans-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene, like resveratrol, also caused a distinct reduction of platelet lipid peroxidation induced by peroxynitrite. The obtained results indicate that in vitro trans-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene and resveratrol have very similar protective effects against peroxynitrite-induced oxidative/nitrative damage to the human platelet proteins and lipids. Moreover, trans-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene proved to be even more potent than resveratrol in antioxidative tests. We conclude that the novel tested phenolic compound -- trans-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene isolated from Y. schidigera bark possessing Generally Recognized As Safe label given by the Food and Drug Administration and allows their human dietary use -- seems to be a promising candidate for future evaluations of its antioxidative activity and may be a good candidate for scavenging peroxynitrite.

P028 Modification of proteome and secretome during activation of human blood platelets

P028 Modification of proteome and secretome during activation of human blood platelets

The role of nitric oxide in aspirin induced thrombolysis in vitro and the purification of aspirin activated nitric oxide synthase from human blood platelets

Aspirin, a well-known inhibitor of platelet aggregation, is extensively used for the prevention/treatment of coronary artery disease. The beneficial and antithrombotic effects of the compound are related to the inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase. It is currently believed that aspirin has no effect on the formed thrombus, which results in coronary artery disease. It was found that the exposure of platelets to 4.0 microM aspirin either in vitro or in vivo resulted in fibrinolysis of the formed "clot" produced by the recalcification of platelet-rich plasma due to the production of NO in these cells by the compound. The lysis of clot in the presence of aspirin was found to be related to the fibrinolysis with simultaneous appearance of fibrin degradation products due to the generation of serine proteinase activity by NO in the assay mixture. The aspirin activated nitric oxide synthase that catalyzed the synthesis of NO in platelets was solubilized by Triton X-100 treatment and purified to homogeneity by chromatography on DEAE cellulose and Sephadex G-50 columns. The enzyme was found to be a single chain polypeptide with M.W. 19 kDa. The treatment of human plasminogen with NO was found to directly activate the zymogen to plasmin with the production of preactivation peptide in the absence of cofactors, or cells without the formation of cyclic GMP in the assay mixture.

Evidence for in situ ethanolamine phospholipid adducts with hydroxy-alkenals

Hydroxy-alkenals, such as 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (4-HNE; from n-6 fatty acids), are degradation products of fatty acid hydroperoxides, including those generated by free radical attack of membrane polyunsaturated fatty acyl moieties. The cytotoxic effects of hydroxy-alkenals are well known and are mainly attributable to their interaction with different molecules to form covalent adducts. Indeed, ethanolamine phospholipids (PEs) can be covalently modified in a cellular system by hydroxy-alkenals, such as 4-HNE, 4-hydroxy-2(E)-hexenal (4-HHE; from n-3 fatty acids), and 4-hydroxy-dodecadienal (4-HDDE; from the 12-lipoxygenase product of arachidonic acid), to form mainly Michael adducts. In this study, we describe the formation of PE Michael adducts in human blood platelets in response to oxidative stress and in retinas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We have successfully characterized and evaluated, for the first time, PEs coupled with 4-HHE, 4-HNE, and 4-HDDE by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry measurement of their ethanolamine moieties. We also report that aggregation of isolated human blood platelets enriched with PE-4-hydroxy-alkenal Michael adducts was altered. These data suggest that these adducts could be used as specific markers of membrane disorders occurring in pathophysiological states with associated oxidative stress and might affect cell function.

The role of nitric oxide in aspirin induced thrombolysis in vitro and the purification of aspirin activated nitric oxide synthase from human blood platelets

The role of nitric oxide in aspirin induced thrombolysis in vitro and the purification of aspirin activated nitric oxide synthase from human blood platelets

Dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes by human cerebrospinal fluid

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) formed in damaged brain tissue and after thromboembolism and subarachnoid haemorrhage is responsible for cerebral vasospasm. In the present study, we examined the effect of human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the production of thromboxane-A2 (TXA2) and 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) by human blood platelets. CSF was drawn by lumbar puncture from normal healthy volunteers (n = 17) and samples judged to be normal after routine examination in the clinical laboratories and were used fresh. We found that CSF inhibited the production of TXA2 and 12-HETE by blood platelets incubated with C14 labelled arachidonic acid (AA) in a concentration-related manner. Further biochemical analysis using proteolytic enzymes, gel filtration and membrane partition chromatography showed that the inhibitory activity was peptidic in nature and associated with a peptide of low molecular weight (1,400 Da). This study is the first to demonstrate that human CSF contains a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase enzymes in CSF.

Molecular identification and localization of cellular titin, a novel titin isoform in the fibroblast stress fiber

We previously discovered a large titin-like protein-c-titin-in chicken epithelial brush border and human blood platelet extracts that binds alpha-actinin and organizes arrays of myosin II bipolar filaments in vitro. RT-PCR analysis of total RNA from human megakaryoblastic (CHRF-288-11) and mouse fibroblast (3T3) nonmuscle cells reveal sequences identical to known titin gene exon sequences that encode parts of the Z-line, I-band, PEVK domain, A-band, and M-line regions of striated muscle titins. In the nonmuscle cells, these sequences are differentially spliced in patterns not reported for any striated muscle titin isoform. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against expressed protein fragments encoded by the Z-repeat and kinase domain regions react with the c-titin band in Western blot analysis of platelet extracts and immunoprecipitate c-titin in whole platelet extracts. Immunofluorescent localization demonstrates that the majority of the c-titin colocalizes with alpha-actinin and actin in 3T3 and Indian Muntjac deer skin fibroblast stress fibers. Our results suggest that differential expression of titin gene exons in nonmuscle cells yields multiple novel isoforms of the protein c-titin that are associated with the actin stress fiber structures.

Novel synthetic approach to N-aryl-4-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-2-amine and analogues using HMCM-41 as catalyst, and their biological evaluation as human platelet aggregation inhibitors

A novel synthetic approach to N-aryl-4-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-2-amine and analogues using HMCM-41, a mesoporous aluminosilicate catalyst and their in vitro ADP-induced platelet aggregation inhibitory activity on human blood platelets is described. Among the test compounds N-(2′-flourophenyl)-4-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-2-amine ( 9e) was found to be the most potent, IC 50 = 4.84 × 10 −7 M.

Effect of Cooking on Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Antiplatelet Activity and Thiosulfinates Content

The raw form of garlic and some of its preparations are widely recognized as antiplatelet agents that may contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Herein, we examined the in-vitro antiaggregatory activity (IVAA) of human blood platelets induced by extracts of garlic samples that were previously heated (in the form of crushed versus uncrushed cloves) using different cooking methods and intensities. The concentrations of allicin and pyruvate, two predictors of antiplatelet strength, were also monitored. Oven-heating at 200 degrees C or immersing in boiling water for 3 min or less did not affect the ability of garlic to inhibit platelet aggregation (as compared to raw garlic), whereas heating for 6 min completely suppressed IVAA in uncrushed, but not in previously crushed, samples. The latter samples had reduced, yet significant, antiplatelet activity. Prolonged incubation (more than 10 min) at these temperatures completely suppressed IVAA. Microwaved garlic had no effect on platelet aggregation. However, increasing the concentration of garlic juice in the aggregation reaction had a positive IVAA dose response in crushed, but not in uncrushed, microwaved samples. The addition of raw garlic juice to microwaved uncrushed garlic restored a full complement of antiplatelet activity that was completely lost without the garlic addition. Garlic-induced IVAA was always associated with allicin and pyruvate levels. Our results suggest that (1) allicin and thiosulfinates are responsible for the IVAA response, (2) crushing garlic before moderate cooking can reduce the loss of activity, and (3) the partial loss of antithrombotic effect in crushed-cooked garlic may be compensated by increasing the amount consumed.

Applications of Type I Antifreeze Proteins: Studies with Model Membranes &amp; Cryoprotectant Properties

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) and antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs), found in the body fluids of many species of polar fish allow them to survive in waters colder than the equilibrium freezing point of their blood and other internal fluids. Despite their structural diversity, all AF(G)Ps kinetically depress the temperature at which ice grows in a non-colligative manner and hence exhibit thermal hysteresis. AF(G)Ps also share the ability to interact with and protect mammalian cells and tissues from hypothermic damage (e.g., improved storage of human blood platelets at low temperatures), and are able to stabilize or disrupt membrane composition during low temperature and freezing stress (e.g., cryoprotectant properties in stabilization of sperm and oocytes). This review will summarize studies of AFPs with phospholipids and plant lipids, proposed mechanisms for inhibition of leakage from membranes, and cryoprotectant studies with biological samples. The major focus will be on the alpha-helical type I antifreeze proteins, and synthetic mutants, that have been most widely studied. For completeness, data on glycoproteins will also be presented. While a number of models to explain stabilization and destabilization of different lipid systems have been proposed, it is currently not possible to predict whether a particular AFP will stabilize or destabilize a given lipid system. Furthermore the relationship between the antifreeze property of thermal hysteresis and membrane stabilization is unknown. This lack of detailed knowledge about how AFPs function in the presence of different types of materials has hampered progress toward the development of antifreezes for cold storage of cells, tissues, and organs.