Thrombin Generation In Platelet-rich Plasma Research Articles

Measuring Thrombin Generation in Platelet Rich Plasma with the ST Genesia

Background: Thrombin generation (TG) is nowadays used more and more for diagnosing and monitoring of patients. The ST Genesia is a fully automated device for measuring TG in platelet poor plasma (PPP). As the samples are not being inverted prior to the measurement once loaded in the device, it was not known whether it was possible to measure TG in platelet rich plasma (PRP). Platelets can sediment in time possibly affecting TG results. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of the ST Genesia for measuring TG in PRP in time and to investigate whether the assay is sensitive to platelet antagonists. Methods: Blood was taken from 6 healthy donors and PRP was immediately prepared by centrifuging the blood once for 15 minutes at 220g. The PRP was divided into 14 tubes: 11 tubes for measuring TG in time; i.e. after 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 180, 240 minutes after the samples were loaded on board; 1 tube for platelet count measurement, 1 tube for TG with the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT) assay and 1 tube for freezing the PRP. The PRP reagent of the CAT assay was used for triggering TG that contains a low tissue factor concentration. Tukey's multiple comparisons test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The platelet count remained stable in time even without inverting the vial prior to the measurement up to 3 hours. After 4 hours, platelet count was significantly lower (p<0.01). TG in PRP remained stable in time up to 3 hours, after that lagtime and time-to-peak were extended by an average of 48% and 16%, respectively (p-values <0.0001 and 0.0121, respectively), while ETP and peak height remained stable (with low CV's of <6.0% and <7.3%, respectively). The ST Genesia proved to be sensitive to platelet antagonists aspirin (100µM) and Cangrelor (500nM) as peak height decreased with 22% and 24%, respectively. TG measured with the CAT and the ST Genesia was comparable. Measuring TG in PRP after being frozen at -80°C resulted TG kinetics similar to TG in PPP, with a shorter lagtime (-67%) and time-to-peak (-64%), with an increased peak height (+82%), and velocity index (+383%), and an unaffected ETP. Conclusion: The ST Genesia can be used for the reproducible measurement of TG in PRP up to two hours after loading the samples in the device.

Both G protein–coupled and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif receptors mediate venous thrombosis in mice

AbstractPlatelets are critical in hemostasis and a major contributor to arterial thrombosis (AT). (Pre)clinical studies suggest platelets also contribute to venous thrombosis (VT), but the mechanisms are largely unknown. We hypothesized that in VT, platelets use signaling machinery distinct from AT. Here we aimed to characterize the contributions of platelet G protein–coupled (GPCR) and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) receptor signaling to VT. Wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice were treated with inhibitors to selectively inhibit platelet-signaling pathways: ITAM-CLEC2 (Clec2mKO), glycoprotein VI (JAQ1 antibody), and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (ibrutinib); GPCR-cyclooxygenase 1 (aspirin); and P2Y12 (clopidogrel). VT was induced by inferior vena cava stenosis. Thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma and whole-blood clot formation were studied ex vivo. Intravital microscopy was used to study platelet–leukocyte interactions after flow restriction. Thrombus weights were reduced in WT mice treated with high-dose aspirin + clopidogrel (dual antiplatelet therapy [DAPT]) but not in mice treated with either inhibitor alone or low-dose DAPT. Similarly, thrombus weights were reduced in mice with impaired ITAM signaling (Clec2mKO + JAQ1; WT + ibrutinib) but not in Clec2mKO or WT + JAQ1 mice. Both aspirin and clopidogrel, but not ibrutinib, protected mice from FeCl3-induced AT. Thrombin generation and clot formation were normal in blood from high-dose DAPT- or ibrutinib-treated mice; however, platelet adhesion and platelet–neutrophil aggregate formation at the vein wall were reduced in mice treated with high-dose DAPT or ibrutinib. In summary, VT initiation requires platelet activation via GPCRs and ITAM receptors. Strong inhibition of either signaling pathway reduces VT in mice.

A case-control study indicates that coagulation imbalance is associated with arteriosclerosis and markers of endothelial dysfunction in kidney failure

Endothelial dysfunction, one of many causes of arterial changes in end-stage kidney disease (kidney failure), is a likely link between early vascular aging and the risk of thrombosis or bleeding in this condition. To evaluate this, we compared links between arterial stiffness and endothelial/coagulation factors in 55 patients receiving hemodialysis therapy and 57 age-/sex-matched control individuals. Arterial stiffness was assessed from carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and coagulation status from the endogenous thrombin generating potential. Markers of endothelial dysfunction (von Willebrand factor, tissue factor pathway inhibitor), neutrophil extracellular traps and tissue factor-positive extracellular vesicles were higher in patients with kidney failure. Prothrombin fragments 1 and 2, and D-dimer markers of invivo coagulation activation were also higher. However, invitro in the presence of platelets, endogenous thrombin generating potential was lower and its downregulation by activated protein C impaired. Antiplatelet drugs did not affect these parameters. In multiple regression analysis, prothrombin fragments 1 and 2, D-dimer, factor VIII and monocyte-derived tissue factor-positive extracellular vesicles correlated with higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. In patients with kidney failure, invivo hypercoagulability occurred with reduced thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma, likely explaining the opposing thrombotic and bleeding tendencies in patients with kidney failure. Importantly, arteriosclerosis is more closely related to a prothrombotic state. Thus, coagulation changes plus arterial stiffness highlight a major therapeutic challenge for anticoagulant and antiplatelet drug use.

Platelet-Dependent Thrombin Generation Induced By ADP or Activated Factor X Does Not Contribute to Increased In Vivo Thrombin Formation in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Introduction: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), including the clinical entities Polycythemia Vera (PV), Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), and Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF), are characterized by an increased thrombotic risk, the pathomechanisms of which are not well-understood. It has been suggested that an increased sensitivity of platelets to adenosin diphosphate (ADP) contributes to the hypercoagulable state in PV and ET through increased thrombin generation. In the present study we analyzed plasma levels of thrombin and platelet-dependent thrombin generation in MPN patients with an additional focus on prothrombin activation by the prothrombinase complex.Methods: A total of 33 blood samples were obtained from patients with MPN (PV, n=18; ET, n=5; PMF, n=10) and from 33 healthy blood donors that served as controls. In vitro thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) was assessed using the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT) assay. To induce thrombin generation either ADP (1 µmol/L final concentration) or activated factor X (FXa, 10 ng/mL final concentration) were applied. To further characterize the MPN-associated hypercoagulable state in vivo, plasma levels of free thrombin were measured using an oligonucleotide-based enzyme capture assay (OECA). Prothrombin activation fragment 1+2 (F1+2), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), and D-dimer were measured additionally.Results: In PRP of MPN patients a slightly higher ADP-induced peak thrombin concentration (Cpeak) was observed than in the healthy controls, with 106 (79-130) vs. 84 (65-110) nmol/L (median and interquartile range, p=.026). There was no statistically significant difference in the ADP-induced endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) in MPN patients (1445, 1194-1643 nmol/L·min) compared with the controls (1417, 1258-1814 nmol/L·min). There was no statistically significant difference in the FXa-induced Cpeak and ETP between MPN patients and controls, with 106 (79-127) vs. 97 (82-128) nmol/L, and 1424 (1165-1560) vs. 1641 (1193-1841) nmol/L·min, respectively. With 0.68 (<0.46-1.20) pmol/L, plasma levels of free thrombin were significantly higher (p=.025) in MPN patients than in the control group, in which median thrombin levels were below the limit of detection. Plasma levels of F1+2 and TAT were also higher in the MPN group than in healthy controls, with 0.31 (0.17-0.50) vs. 0.18 (0.13-0.25) nmol/L (p=.002) and 4.36 (2.53-6.76) vs. 2.36 (<2.00-2.68) ng/mL (p=.003), respectively.Conclusion: Increased plasma levels of thrombin, F1+2, and TAT indicate enhanced in vivo thrombin formation in MPN patients. Despite a slightly increased ADP sensitivity of MPN-platelets, the total amount of thrombin generated in PRP from MPN patients is not increased. This makes it unlikely that a ‘hyperreactivity’ of MPN platelets, resulting in increased activities of the prothrombinase complex on the platelet surface, contributes to the increased thrombin formation in MPN patients. DisclosuresBerens:Shire: Research Funding; Biotest: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Sanofi Genzyme: Research Funding; CSL-Behring: Research Funding. Rühl:Shire: Research Funding; Swedish Orphan Biovitrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; Grifols: Research Funding; Sanofi Genzyme: Research Funding; CSL-Behring: Research Funding. Müller:Swedish Orphan Biovitrum: Consultancy, Research Funding. Oldenburg:Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; Grifols: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria, Research Funding; Octapharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; CSL Behring: Honoraria, Research Funding; Biogen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Biotest: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Swedish Orphan Biovitrum: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Abstract 20955: Synergistic Effects of Rivaroxaban With Direct-Acting Anti-Platelet Agents on Platelet Reactivity and Thrombin Generation

Introduction: Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly evaluated for the secondary prevention of thrombosis-related events; however, DOAC dose-related effects on platelet function, particularly with anti-platelet agents, are unknown. Hypothesis: Factor Xa inhibitors do not have direct anti-platelet activity; however, by their capacity to inhibit thrombin generation (TG), they indirectly regulate thrombin-dependent platelet activation. This indirect mode of action may have additive effects with anti-platelet agents such as aspirin or P2Y12 antagonists. Methods: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from healthy individuals (n=6) was incubated with increasing amounts, and combinations of rivaroxaban (Riva), aspirin (ASA) and/or ticagrelor(T). The impact on platelet function was studied using light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and fluorogenic TG assays (TGA). For LTA, maximal aggregation (MA) was measured after initiation of tissue factor (TF)-induced TG. Similarly, for TG assays in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and PRP low TF concentrations were used to initiate TG. Results and Conclusions: Riva treatment alone decreased % MA by TF-generated thrombin by 24% (15 ng/ml; akin to 2.5 mg bid dosing) and 71% (120 ng/ml; akin to 10 - 20 mg bid dosing). Riva, in combination with both anti-platelet agents, decreased MA substantially by 69% at 15 ng/ml and significantly by 89% at 120 ng/ml (p&lt;0.05). However, when PRP is treated only with ASA or T (sans Riva), thrombin-mediated MA decreased by 12% and 25%, respectively. In TGA, Riva alone in PPP caused significant inhibition of TG (p &lt;0.05). At 15 ng/ml, ~40% inhibition of peak TG was noted in PPP, though in PRP, inhibition was only 22% with donor variability observed. At 120 ng/ml Riva, peak TG inhibition was 90% and 64% for PPP or PRP, respectively. Though evident at higher Riva doses, the 15 ng/ml dose showed no synergy with ASA or T or the ASA/T combination in inhibiting TG in PRP. These results demonstrate that Riva provides an additive effect in reducing platelet reactivity, and its impact is highly dose-dependent and influenced by anti-platelet therapies. Such findings should be taken into consideration for anti-FXa dosing, either when anti-platelet therapies are or are not part of a treatment regimen.

High-intensity Interval Training Improves Mitochondrial Function and Suppresses Thrombin Generation in Platelets undergoing Hypoxic Stress

This study elucidates how high-intensity interval training (HIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT) affect mitochondrial functionality and thrombin generation (TG) in platelets following hypoxic exercise (HE, 100 W under 12% O2 for 30 min). Forty-five healthy sedentary males were randomized to engage either HIT (3-minute intervals at 40% and 80%VO2max, n = 15) or MCT (sustained 60%VO2max, n = 15) for 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks, or to a control group (CTL, n = 15) that did not received exercise intervention. Before the intervention, HE (i) reduced the ATP-linked O2 consumption rate (OCR), the reserve capacity of OCR, and the activities of citrate synthase (CS) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), (ii) lowered mitochondrial membrane potential (MP) and elevated matrix oxidant burden (MOB) in platelets, and (iii) enhanced dynamic TG in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which responses were attenuated by pretreating PRP with oligomycin or rotenone/antimycin A. However, 6-week HIT (i) increased mitochondrial OCR capacity with enhancing the CS and SDH activities and (ii) heightened mitochondrial MP with depressing MOB in platelets following HE, compared to those of MCT and CTL. Moreover, the HIT suppressed the HE-promoted dynamic TG in PRP. Hence, we conclude that the HIT simultaneously improves mitochondrial bioenergetics and suppresses dynamic TG in platelets undergoing hypoxia.

Abstract 30: Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor α Inhibits Prothrombinase via a Three-Step Mechanism

TFPIα inhibits early forms of the prothrombinase complex (factor Xa (FXa), factor Va (FVa)), though the inhibitory mechanism is not entirely understood. One step of inhibition is a high affinity interaction between a TFPIα C-terminal basic region (BR) (252-LIKTKRKRKK-261) and an acidic region (AR) present in FXa-activated and platelet-released forms of FVa. We investigated two additional potential mechanistic steps: (1) binding of the second Kunitz-type inhibitory domain (K2) of TFPIα to the FXa active site; and (2) the function of uncharged residues L252, I253, and T255 within the BR, which are evolutionarily conserved, suggesting they have activity. Direct inhibition of FXa was investigated using TFPIα with an altered K2 (TFPI-R107A) incapable of binding FXa. TFPI-R107A inhibited purified prothrombinase 17-fold weaker than TFPIα (IC50 = 30.6nM vs. 1.8nM) and did not inhibit FXa-initiated thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Therefore, direct binding of FXa and K2 is required for efficient inhibition of prothrombinase under physiological conditions. Similarly, the role of L252, I253, and T255 was investigated by substituting them with alanine (TFPI-AAKA). The IC50 for prothrombinase inhibition by TFPI-AAKA was 10.4nM, and it had reduced inhibitory activity in PRP, revealing that these residues are also required for efficient prothrombinase inhibition. The role of L252, I253, and T255 was further probed using the peptide LIKTKRKRKK, which inhibited purified prothrombinase (IC50 = 1.0μM) and thrombin generation in PRP at 1μM. AAKAKRKRKK had very little activity in either assay (~20% prothrombinase inhibition with 225μM peptide), but bound the FVa AR equivalently to LIKTKRKRKK (K d = 5.9nM and 6.0nM, respectively). Thus, the basic residues are responsible for AR binding, while a second step, mediated by L252-T255, is necessary for inhibitory activity. These residues may be necessary for displacement of FXa from FVa, as proposed by Bunce et al. We propose that prothrombinase inhibition by TFPIα involves three steps: (1) the TFPIα BR basic residues bind the FVa AR; (2) residues L252-T255 block prothrombinase assembly; and (3) K2 binds the FXa active site. All three steps are required for physiologic inhibition of prothrombinase by TFPIα.

The Phosphatase Inhibitor Calyculin-A Impairs Clot Retraction, Platelet Activation, and Thrombin Generation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase inhibitor, calyculin-A (CLA), on clot formation and on the procoagulant activity of human platelets. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) samples were preincubated with buffer or CLA and subsequently platelets were activated by the protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) activator, thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP). Clot retraction was detected by observing clot morphology up to 1 hour, phosphatidylserine- (PS-) expression was studied by flow cytometry, and thrombin generation was measured by a fluorimetric assay. For the intracellular Ca2+ assay, platelets were loaded with calcium-indicator dyes and the measurements were carried out using a ratiometric method with real-time confocal microscopy. CLA preincubation inhibited clot retraction, PS-expression, and thrombin formation. TRAP activation elicited Ca2+ response and PS-expression in a subset of platelets. The activated PRP displayed significantly faster and enhanced thrombin generation compared to nonactivated samples. CLA pretreatment abrogated PS-exposure and clot retraction also in TRAP-activated samples. As a consequence of the inhibitory effect on calcium elevation and PS-expression, CLA significantly downregulated thrombin generation in PRP. Our results show that CLA pretreatment may be a useful tool to investigate platelet activation mechanisms that contribute to clot formation and thrombin generation.

A Novel Beneficial Role for Macitentan in Patients at High Thrombosis Risk: Attenuation of Platelet-Mediated Derangements of Blood Coagulation in Eisenmenger Syndrome

IntroductionEisenmenger syndrome is a rare manifestation of congenital cardiac disease with pulmonary hypertension. Potentially dangerous thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications frequently occur in patients with ES and raise significant clinical dilemmas. Underlying mechanisms are unknown but are thought to be linked to the underlying pulmonary vascular disease. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) signalling in the pulmonary vasculature is implicated in the pathogenesis of ES and Macitentan (a novel dual ET-1 receptor antagonist) has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. However the effect of Macitentan on reversing abnormal blood coagulation is unknown.We aimed to characterise derangements in physiological procoagulant and anticoagulant pathways in ES and to assess the effect of Macitentan therapy in modulating haemostasis in this disorder. We hypothesized that an enhanced understanding of pro-and anticoagulant mechanisms in these patients has the potential to improve risk stratification and targeting of antithrombotic therapy to patients at high risk of thrombosis.MethodsBlood was collected from subjects with ES and age/gender-matched healthy controls into citrated tubes, some containing corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI, a contact pathway inhibitor; final concentration 50µg/mL).Parameters of plasma thrombin generation in platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma were assessed by calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) in the presence or absence of exogenous tissue factor (TF), anionic phospholipid (PL) and activated protein C (APC).ResultsPlatelet-dependent blood coagulation measured by CAT was enhanced in ES platelet-rich plasma (PRP) relative to healthy volunteers despite lower platelet counts: peak thrombin generation (TG) was significantly higher in ES subjects v controls in PRP (230.6±10.9 vs 188.3±13.1 nM; p=0.025) and lagtime to TG (6.1±0.3 vs 7.8±0.5 mins, p=0.005), time to peak TG (11.5±0.5 vs 15.2±0.6 mins, p=0.0003) and TG velocity index (43.9±3.7 vs 26.3±2.4 nM/min, p=0.001) were significantly accelerated. No significant differences in TG parameters in PPP were observed between groups suggesting a critical mechanistic role for platelet activity in supporting hypercoagulability in ES. TG in PRP was also found to be significantly enhanced in ES in the presence of CTI, suggesting that in vitro or in vivocontact pathway activation does not contribute to the enhanced coagulation activation observed in this disorder.The anticoagulant activity of APC is PL dependent and in healthy PPP incubated with exogenous PL (as a substitute for platelet PL), TG was potently inhibited. Conversely, in healthy PRP (in the absence of exogenous PL), APC activity was attenuated. Remarkably, this effect was not observed among the ES subjects, where APC anticoagulant activity was significantly increased in PRP, with significantly lower residual peak plasma thrombin generation and endogenous thrombin potential relative to that observed in healthy volunteer PRP. APC anticoagulant activity in PPP (both in the presence and absence of exogenous PL) was similar between groups. These findings suggest that platelets also modulate the activity of the APC pathway in ES, but in a manner which could promote bleeding.Among the 7 subjects who commenced macitentan therapy, at 6 months peak TG in PRP was significantly lower (234.5±9.8 vs 204.6±14.1 nM, p=0.002) and the enhanced sensitivity to APC in PRP was also attenuated. No significant difference in any parameter of TG was observed in PPP following macitentan therapy.ConclusionPlatelet activity appears to contribute significantly to hypercoagulability in ES but also appears to modulate the activity of endogenous anticoagulant pathways reflecting the clinical phenotype where bleeding and thrombotic risks frequently co-exist. Our findings suggest that targeted pharmacological agents such as the dual endothelin-1 antagonists (which crucially do not confer a bleeding risk) may attenuate platelet-mediated derangements in blood coagulation. Given the significant clinical dilemmas posed by the presence of competing thrombotic and haemorrhagic tendencies in ES, these finding are likely to be of significant translational relevance. DisclosuresWalsh:Actelion UK: Research Funding. Maguire:Actelion UK: Research Funding. Ní Áinle:Actelion UK: Research Funding.

Individual Variation in Hemostatic Alterations Caused By Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors - a Way to Improve Personalized Cancer Therapy?

IntroductionDuring the last two decades, Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and are now considered standard treatment for this disease. However, TKIs can induce serious hemostatic side effects including cardiovascular disease and bleeding disorders. Blood platelet aggregation and formation of pro-coagulant platelets are important to allow a well-balanced hemostatic response. Therefore, a detailed understanding of what effect different TKIs exert on platelets and hemostasis could help to understand if there are differences of importance to minimize the risk of bleeding complications in treated patients.AimTo investigate how TKIs used in CML (imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib) affect platelet activation and hemostasis.Materials and MethodsWe have developed a multi-parameter six color flow cytometry protocol to study different aspects of platelet function upon activation, e.g. formation of aggregatory (PAC-1-positive) and pro-coagulant (phosphatidylserine-exposing) platelets, exocytosis of alpha- and lysosomal granules and mitochondrial membrane potential.This protocol was performed in presence or absence of TKIs in blood from normal donors and in treated patients. Whole blood aggregometry (Multiplate®), thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma and in vitro thrombus formation by free oscillation rheometry (ReoRox G2) was further evaluated in some situations.ResultsAt clinically relevant concentrations, dasatinib significantly decreased the formation of procoagulant platelets. Ponatinib induced a slight decrease in formation of procoagulant platelets, whereas bosutinib and nilotinib showed opposite tendencies (n=7). Dasatinib also decreased platelet aggregation (n=4-6) and in vitro thrombus formation (n=3). Thrombin generation was not significantly affected by therapeutic levels of TKIs, whereas higher doses of dasatinib, bosutinib, ponatinib and imatinib significantly changed one or several of the thrombin generation parameters (n=7-8). Interestingly, large differences in response to the drugs were observed among the healthy donors, especially for dasatinib and bosutinib. Major inter-individual variations were also observed in dasatinib-treated patients.ConclusionsDifferent TKIs show varying potency to affect platelet-based hemostasis. In addition, we found large inter-individual variations in how some drugs affected platelet function. Therefore, we suggest that development of a clinically useful protocol for platelet function testing could help to identify patients more susceptible to adverse drug reactions. Such a protocol could potentially help clinicians to gain insight into the risk of side effects, which could help to choose the most suitable drug for each individual patient. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 531: In Patients with Uncontrolled Arterial Hypertension Platelets and Coagulation Factor XI are Responsible of Modifications of Thrombin Generation

Background: Hypertensive crisis is an extreme phenotype of increased blood pressure that can lead to organ failure and thrombotic complications. We recently found in experimental hypertension an angiotensin II driven factor XI (FXI)-thrombin amplification loop leading to vascular injury. Objective: We wanted to evaluate, in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (HT), the role of platelet and factor XI in thrombin generation (TG). Patients and methods: Prospectively, 52 patients with uncontrolled HT (16 grade I and 36 grade II/III) were examined at the outpatient clinic and emergency room of the University Medical Center Mainz, and 16 controls. Calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) was used to measure TG in platelet rich plasma (PRP, adjusted to 150.109/L of platelets), platelet free plasma (PFP), with platelets from controls and uncontrolled HT patients resupsended in a pool of healthy controls and in the presence or absence of an antibody blocking FXI activation pathway. Results: We found an increased systolic blood pressure in HT patients, compared to control patients (179±1.9 mmHg for grade II/III patients, 139±1.2 mmHg for grade I patients and 123±2.5 mmHg for controls); age, BMI as well as weight were not different. TG in PRP showed a positive and significant correlation between blood pressure and the other TG parameters as Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), peak TG and velocity of TG. ETP was significantly increased in grade II/III patients compared to the control group. TG parameters in HT patients and controls were completely blunted by the inhibition of FXI pathway by blocking its apple 3 domain. This result indicates an involvement of the FXI thrombin loop in thrombin generation in PRP of uncontrolled HT patients. Without platelets TG showed no difference between HT patients and controls. Platelets resuspended from HT or controls restored the differences in ETP, peak and velocity between the 2 groups indicating that increased TG in HT patient mostly depends on platelet overreactivity. Conclusion: These results point out the important role of platelet overreactivity as well as FXI-dependent thrombin activation pathway in hypertension. Monitoring the prothrombotic state of platelets might add to risk stratification of patients with HT.

PO-55 - Individual variation in hemostatic alterations caused by tyrosine kinase inhibitors – a way to improve personalized cancer therapy?

During the last two decades, Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and are now considered standard treatment for this disease. However, TKIs can induce serious hemostatic side effects including cardiovascular disease and bleeding disorders. Blood platelet aggregation and formation of pro-coagulant platelets are important to allow a well-balanced hemostatic response. Therefore, a detailed understanding of what effect different TKIs exert on platelets and hemostasis could help to understand if there are differences of importance to minimize the risk of bleeding complications in treated patients. To investigate how TKIs used in CML (imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib) affect platelet activation and hemostasis. We have developed a multi-parameter six color flow cytometry protocol to study different aspects of platelet function upon activation, e.g. formation of aggregatory (PAC-1-positive) and pro-coagulant (phosphatidylserine-exposing) platelets, exocytosis of alpha- and lysosomal granules and mitochondrial membrane potential.This protocol was performed in presence or absence of TKIs in blood from normal donors and in treated patients. Whole blood aggregometry (Multiplate®), thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma and in vitro thrombus formation by free oscillation rheometry (ReoRox G2) was further evaluated in some situations. At clinically relevant concentrations, dasatinib significantly decreased the formation of procoagulant platelets. Ponatinib induced a slight decrease in formation of procoagulant platelets, whereas bosutinib and nilotinib showed opposite tendencies (n=7). Dasatinib also decreased platelet aggregation (n=4-6) and in vitro thrombus formation (n=3). Thrombin generation was not significantly affected by therapeutic levels of TKIs, whereas higher doses of dasatinib, bosutinib, ponatinib and imatinib significantly changed one or several of the thrombin generation parameters (n=7-8). Interestingly, large differences in response to the drugs were observed among the healthy donors, especially for dasatinib and bosutinib. Major inter-individual variations were also observed in dasatinib-treated patients, see Figure1. Different TKIs show varying potency to affect platelet-based hemostasis. In addition, we found large inter-individual variations in how some drugs affected platelet function. Therefore, we suggest that development of a clinically useful protocol for platelet function testing could help to identify patients more susceptible to adverse drug reactions. Such a protocol could potentially help clinicians to gain insight into the risk of side effects, which could help to choose the most suitable drug for each individual patient.

Anti-thrombotic properties of a CD31-derived peptide coated on a surface

Event Abstract Back to Event Anti-thrombotic properties of a CD31-derived peptide coated on a surface Charlotte Rasser1, Frédéric Chaubet1, Caroline Jobin1, Giuseppina Caligiuri1 and Véronique Ollivier1 1 Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science - Inserm U1148, France Introduction: Thrombosis is a major concern in the design of most biomaterials, especially in those for vascular applications. Coating the biomaterial surface with a bioactive agent is one of the possible strategies to avoid thrombosis. CD31 (also known as PECAM-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein present on endothelial cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils and platelets. CD31 has been demonstrated to inhibit platelet activation and thrombus formation[1],[2] and to modulate thrombin-induced tissue factor expression on endothelial cells[3].We therefore assessed the potential of a CD31-agonist peptide as an anti-thrombotic coating for biomaterials. Materials and Methods: The CD31-agonist peptide was left to adsorb on a 96-well plate with high binding affinity (Immulon® 2 HB, Thermo Scientific). Excess peptide was rinsed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Unmodified wells of the same plate were used as control. In a first set of experiments, thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was performed using a Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT) in presence of 0.5 pM tissue factor (TF), in a Fluoroskan Ascent (Thermo Scientific). In a second set, human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were cultured in a 96-well plate with or without peptide coating until confluence was reached. Then, thrombin generation was measured at the surface of the cells in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and in presence of 1 pM TF. To estimate cell viability, a tetrazolium (MTT, Sigma Aldrich) colorimetric assay was performed in parallel. Figure 1. Typical curve of thrombin generation in PRP in presence of 0.5 pM TF, in control wells or peptide-coated wells. n=6. Figure2. a) Typical curve of thrombin generation in PPP, in presence of 1 pM TF, at the surface of endothelial cells cultivated either in control wells or peptide-coated wells. b) MTT assay. n=3. Results and Discussion: Figure 1 presents the anti-platelet action of the peptide (thrombograms acquired in PRP, without endothelial cells). Thrombin generation is significantly reduced (-40%) in the peptide-coated wells, suggesting that the CD31-derived peptide is able to control the activation of the platelets coming into contact with the surface. In addition, thrombin generation at the surface of endothelial cells was reduced by 50% when the cells were cultured onto the peptide-coated wells (Figure 2a) as compared to unmodified wells. Since the number of endothelial cells in the two types of wells was not significantly different, as demonstrated by the MTT assay (Figure 2b), the peptide has most likely acted on the phenotype of the endothelial cells, promoting their anti-thrombotic phenotype. Conclusion: Our data show that coating surfaces with a CD31-agonist peptide results in a dual anti-thrombotic action: on the platelets coming into direct contact with the coated surface as well as on endothelial cells that shall grow on it. The CD31-derived peptide thus appears as a promising bioactive agent for biomaterial coating in applications such as vascular stents.

Platelet-Targeted rFVIIa-Xten Improves Thrombin Generation and Fibrin Formation Compared to Recombinant FVIIa

The development of inhibitors to replacement plasma factors in hemophilia is an ongoing clinical complication. Bypass therapies, such as recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa), have emerged as important alternative on-demand strategies for hemophilic patients with inhibitors to treat spontaneous bleeds and prevent bleeding during surgery. However, general prophylaxis strategies for hemophilia inhibitor patients are lacking. An attractive approach for effective prophylaxis and on-demand treatment includes engineering potent rFVIIa variants with prolonged pharmacokinetics. Because the primary mechanism of action of rFVIIa is thought to occur on the platelet surface, we combined rFVIIa with platelet-targeting and XTEN half-life extension technologies to improve its pharmacokinetic profile and procoagulant activity. Platelet-targeting was achieved by recombinant fusion of an antibody fragment which binds the human alpha IIb integrin. Half-life extension was achieved by fusion of an XTEN polypeptide which increases the hydrodynamic radius, and therefore half-life, of rFVIIa. We have shown that these rFVIIa modifications improve the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of rFVIIa in vivo in humanized alpha IIb transgenic hemophilia A mice. The goal of the current study was to evaluate and compare thrombin generation and fibrin formation kinetics in hemophilic platelet-rich plasma in the presence of platelet-targeted rFVIIa-XTEN or rFVIIa. To achieve this, platelet-rich plasma from normal human donors was treated with an inhibitory factor VIII antibody to model hemophilia A and spiked with doses of platelet-targeted rFVIIa-XTEN or rFVIIa. Reactions were triggered with low tissue factor and recalcification. Thrombin generation (n=9) was monitored by calibrated automated thrombography and fibrin formation (n=7) was monitored optically on a plate reader. Non-linear regression analysis of dose responses was used to determine EC50 values for each parameter for each donor. Platelet-targeted rFVIIa-XTEN increases the rate and peak of thrombin generation with 2- to 6-fold lower EC50 values (peak and rate, respectively) than rFVIIa. These data were confirmed by thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma from 1 hemophilia A donor and 1 hemophilia B donor which demonstrated similar responses to platelet-targeted rFVIIa-XTEN with 2.5- to 5-fold lower EC50 values (peak and rate, respectively) than rFVIIa. Notably, platelet count-dependent changes in thrombin generation activity were similar between platelet-targeted rFVIIa-XTEN and rFVIIa. Fibrin formation analysis indicated platelet-targeted rFVIIa-XTEN increases the rate and time to plateau of fibrin formation with 5- to 13-fold lower EC50 values (rate and time to plateau, respectively) than rFVIIa. Analysis of fibrin network structure by confocal microscopy indicated platelet-targeted rFVIIa-XTEN increases fibrin network density in platelet-rich plasma clots. Together, these data show platelet-targeted rFVIIa-XTEN has more procoagulant activity than rFVIIa by supporting more thrombin generation and faster fibrin formation and suggest our approach has the potential to be an effective alternative for the treatment and prevention of bleeds in hemophilia patients with inhibitors. DisclosuresAleman:Biogen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kistanova:Biogen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Moore:Biogen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Schellenberger:Amunix Operating Inc: Employment. Peters:Biogen: Employment. Salas:Biogen: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Interaction of Human Platelets with Enterohemorrhagic E. coli O111, Induces an Increase in the Procoagulant Activity, Thrombin Generation and Adhesion to Endothelial Cells

Acute inflammation in response to severe bacterial infection, results in hemostatic abnormalities ranging from subclinical to sustained systemic clotting activation leading to massive thrombin and fibrin formation and microvascular thrombosis. Endothelial activation and dysfunction are critical determinants of the host response and provide an explanation for the different abnormalities involved in the pathophysiology of sepsis.Infection with pathogenic E. coli may present with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, from no symptoms or mild non-bloody diarrhea to severe cases, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is characterized by hemolytic anemia and low platelet counts.Although the understanding of the mechanisms that are involved in blood coagulation abnormalities in sepsis has gradually progressed, the role of platelets (Plts) on the procoagulant state during a severe infection remains to be addressed. Human platelets contain functional tissue factor (TF) (Panes et al. 2007) and TFPIa, but it is unknown if bacteria-platelet interaction affects platelet-TF procoagulant or platelet TFPI anticoagulant activities. Moreover, the effects of bacterial activation of platelets on thrombin generation (TG) in platelet rich plasma (PRP) or adhesion to endothelial cells have not been explored.Aims: We assessed the effect of platelet-E. coli interaction on platelet TF-dependent procoagulant activity (PCA), the changes induced by this interaction on platelet TFPI, in TG in PRP and in the adhesive capacity of platelets on cultured HUVEC.Plts activation by E. coli was demonstrated by a significant increase of p-selectin exposure on platelet surface compared to control Plts after 30 min of interaction with this microorganism harvested at exponential phase of growth and incubated in a ratio Plts/bacteria 1:10.Platelet TF-dependent PCA was assessed by FXa generation in washed Plts exposed to E. coli, with addition of exogenous FVIIa and FX, with no extra source of TF. Using the same ratio Plts/bacteria, we observed an increase in FXa after 30 min of incubation, compared with control platelets (p=0.0002, n=12). This enhancement in TF-PCA was concomitant with a decreased expression of TFPI in Plts surface after exposure of PRP to E. coli for 30 min. (p=0.0012, n=9).TG was measured in PRP, previously stimulated by E. coli for 30 min. We observed a shortening in the Lag time and time to peak and a higher thrombin peak in stimulated than in control PRP (p=0.0001, p=0.005 and p=0.0342, respectively, n=12). The reduction in lag time and time to peak was more pronounced than that obtained after eliciting platelet activation with Ristocetin. Preincubation of Plts with E. coli also increased the velocity index of TG compared to PRP alone (p=0,005; n=12).Static adhesion of Pts to endothelium was studied by stimulating fresh washed Plts with E. coli for 30min and then co-incubating them with HUVEC. After 20 min, an increased number of bacterial-activated Plts were adhered to HUVEC, compared with unstimulated Pts. Moreover, visible Plts aggregates were observed, which were positive for fibrin immunostaining, suggesting clot formation during the interaction of Plts with E. coli O111.Our findings show that Plts activated by bacteria results in an enhanced platelet procoagulant activity and adhesion to endothelium. By extension, these in vitro results suggest that platelets play an important role in the prothrombotic state associated with bacterial infections.This work was supported by FONDECYT-Chile 1130835 DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Measurement of thrombin generation intra-operatively and its association with bleeding tendency after cardiac surgery

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are susceptible to haemostatic disturbances. Monitoring the haemostatic capacity by conventional clotting tests is challenging. Thrombin generation (TG) by Calibrated Automated Thrombography, clotting tests and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) measurements were performed to describe the relationship between haemostatic changes and alterations in these tests. Blood samples were collected before, during and after CPB. Furthermore, it was investigated whether TG measured intraoperatively, is associated with increased risk of bleeding postoperatively. TG diminished significantly (p<0.01) after heparinization in the presence and absence of platelets (37% and 50%) compared to baseline. After the start of CPB, TG elevated and persisted till the end of surgery but remained lower than preoperatively. Activated clotting time increased after heparinization and after the start of bypass compared to baseline (400% and 500%). Anti-FXa activity reduced on the start of CPB compared to the level after heparinization, to almost the baseline value following protamine reversal of heparin. The plasma levels of total and free TFPI elevated 9 and 14 fold during bypass and remained after protamine administration higher than preoperatively. Plasma D-dimer levels reduced (p<0.01) when bypass started. However, a marked elevation was observed in the following time points. TG in platelet-rich plasma measured after heparinization and after the start of CPB associated (p<0.05) with postoperative blood loss. TG can be determined during CPB despite the high heparinization level, it reflects the haemostatic capacity better than clotting-based assays and might better predict bleeding when performed intraoperatively.

Antithrombotic effects of PAR1 and PAR4 antagonists evaluated under flow and static conditions

Thrombin-mediated activation of human platelets involves the G-protein-coupled protease-activated receptors PAR1 and PAR4. Inhibition of PAR1 and/or PAR4 is thought to modulate platelet activation and subsequent procoagulant reactions. However, the antithrombotic effects of PAR1 and PAR4 antagonism have not been fully elucidated, particularly under flow conditions. A microchip-based flow chamber system was used to evaluate the influence of SCH79797 (PAR1 antagonist) and YD-3 (PAR4 antagonist) on thrombus formation mediated by collagen and tissue thromboplastin at shear rates simulating those experienced in small- to medium-sized arteries (600s(-1)) and large arteries and small veins (240s(-1)). At a shear rate of 600s(-1), SCH79797 (10μM) efficiently reduced fibrin-rich platelet thrombi and significantly delayed occlusion of the flow chamber capillary (1.44 fold of control; P<0.001). The inhibitory activity of SCH79797 was diminished at 240s(-1). YD-3 (20μM) had no significant effect at either shear rate. The antithrombotic effects of SCH79797 were significantly augmented when combined with aspirin and AR-C66096 (P2Y12 antagonist), but not with YD-3. In contrast, no significant inhibition of tissue factor-induced clot formation under static conditions was observed in blood treated with SCH79797 and YD-3, although thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma was weakly delayed by these antagonists. Our results suggest that the antithrombotic activities of PAR1 and/or PAR4 antagonism is influenced by shear conditions as well as by combined platelet inhibition with aspirin and a P2Y12-antagonist.

Global coagulation in myeloproliferative neoplasms

In spite of their recognized risk of thrombosis, patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) show little or no abnormalities of traditional coagulation tests, perhaps because these are unable to represent the balance between pro- and anticoagulants nor the effect of platelets and blood cells. We investigated whether global tests such as thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or thromboelastometry in whole blood were able to detect signs of procoagulant imbalance in MPN. The endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) of 111 patients and 89 controls was measured in PRP with platelet count adjusted to the original patient- or control-count. Testing was performed with and without thrombomodulin (the physiological protein C activator) and results were expressed as ETP ratios (with/without thrombomodulin). High ETP ratios reflect resistance to thrombomodulin and were taken as indexes of procoagulant imbalance. Patients were also investigated by thromboelastometry that provides such parameters as the clot formation time (CFT) and maximal clot firmness (MCF). Short CFT or high MCF were taken as indexes of procoagulant imbalance. ETP ratios were higher in patients than in controls and were directly correlated with platelet counts and inversely with the plasma levels of free protein S, protein C and antithrombin. Patients on hydroxyurea had lower ETP ratios than those on other treatments. CFT was shorter and MCF was greater in patients than controls; CFT and MCF were correlated with platelet counts. In conclusion, patients with MPN display a procoagulant imbalance detectable by thrombin generation and thromboelastometry. These tests might be useful in the frame of clinical trials to assess their association with the occurrence of thrombosis and with the effect of therapeutic strategies in MPN.

Investigation of the phenotype heterogeneity in severe hemophilia A using thromboelastography, thrombin generation, and thrombodynamics

BackgroundHemophilia A (HA) patients with similar factor VIII levels can demonstrate varying bleeding tendencies. In particular, 10–15% of all severe HA patients (FVIII:C<1IUdL−1) do not require regular replacement therapy. Modern global coagulation assays can help to detect and study this “mild” bleeding phenotype. Here, we investigated the coagulation status of different bleeding phenotypes using various types of global coagulation assays. Materials and MethodsTen HA patients with severe phenotype and eleven patients with mild phenotypes were included in the study. For each patient, thromboelastography (TE), thrombodynamics (TD), and kaolin- or tissue factor-induced thrombin generation (TG) were measured. TG in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was investigated using our original modification when the thrombin generation curve showed two peaks, previously shown to depend on platelet activity. We also utilized TG and TD with the addition of thrombomodulin. ResultsThe second peak amplitude and ETP of PRP TG were the only parameters that were significantly higher in mild bleeders (peak 41.6±3.5nM, ETP 1966±169nM*min) than in patients with severe bleeding (peak 28.3±3.3nM, ETP 1359±130nM*min). ConclusionsOur results suggest that severe and mild HA phenotypes could be distiguished by TG assay in PRP suggesting that difference in platelet activity can be involved in the phenotype formation. According to our previous results we can suppose that the mechanism of the phenotypic heterogeneity is linked with TG mediated by PS-expressing platelets.

Targeting Platelet GPIbβ Reduces Platelet Adhesion, GPIb Signaling and Thrombin Generation and Prevents Arterial Thrombosis

The glycoprotein (GP) Ib-V-IX complex regulates the adhesion, activation, and procoagulant activity of platelets. We previously reported that RAM.1, a rat monoclonal antibody directed against the extracellular domain of mouse GPIbβ, diminished adhesion of platelets and chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human GPIb-IX complex to von Willebrand factor under flow conditions. Here, we further evaluated the functional importance of GPIbβ by studying the impact of RAM.1 on GPIb-mediated platelet responses and in vitro and in vivo thrombus formation. We show that RAM.1 dramatically reduced GPIb-mediated filopodia extension of chinese hamster ovary GPIb-IX cells after adhesion to von Willebrand factor. RAM.1 also reduced filopodia extension and GPIb-mediated Ca(2+) signaling after adhesion of mouse platelets to von Willebrand factor. RAM.1 inhibited thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma without impairing phosphatidylserine exposure. In addition, RAM.1 reduced thrombus formation after perfusion of mouse whole blood over collagen in a shear-dependent manner. This effect was confirmed in vivo, because injection of F(ab)'2 fragments of RAM.1 diminished thrombus formation induced by laser beam injury of mesenteric arterioles and forceps injury of the abdominal aorta. In contrast, RAM.1 F(ab)'2 did not prolong the tail-bleeding time or increase the volume of blood lost. These findings are the first evidence that targeting a subunit other than GPIbα can lead to an antithrombotic effect via the GPIb-V-IX complex. This could represent an alternative way to reduce thrombus formation with a minor impact on hemostasis.