Original Contribution
The American Journal of Gastroenterology (2005) 100, 2042–2048; doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.50381.x
Elevated Circulating Platelet-Derived Microparticles in Patients with Active Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Akira Andoh MD1, Tomoyuki Tsujikawa MD1, Kazunori Hata MD1, Yoshio Araki MD1, Katsuyuki Kitoh MD1, Masaya Sasaki MD1, Takashi Yoshida MT2 and Yoshihide Fujiyama MD1
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tukinowa, Otsu, Japan;
- 2Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tukinowa, Otsu, Japan
Correspondence: Akira Andoh, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science Seta-Tukinowa, Otsu 520-2192, Japan
Received 12 March 2005; Revised 0000; Accepted 18 April 2005.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
Platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs) are active molecules involved in the hemostatic and inflammatory responses. To evaluate the changes in the platelet function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we measured circulating PDMP levels.
METHODS:
Twenty-five healthy controls, 44 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 43 patients with Crohn's Disease (CD) were studied. The PDMP and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
RESULTS:
In the healthy controls, the PDMP levels were 17.2 
6.2 U/mL. Significant differences were not observed between the healthy controls and inactive UC patients (20.8 9.5 U/mL, n = 25) or between the healthy controls and inactive CD patients (17.6 7.8 U/mL, n = 24). In contrast, the PDMP levels were significantly higher in both active UC (49.2 33.6 U/mL, n = 19) and active CD (48.6 42.8 U/mL, n = 19) patients than in the healthy controls. A significant correlation was found between the PDMP levels and the clinical activity indexes (CAI) of UC patients (r = 0.65, p < 0.01, n = 44), and between the PDMP levels and Crohn's disease activity indexes (CDAI) (r = 0.72, p < 0.01, n = 43). Elevated PDMP levels in active patients were significantly reduced after remission. A significant correlation was observed between the PDMP levels and the sP-selectin levels (r = 0.60, p < 0.01, n = 122).
CONCLUSION:
Elevated circulating PDMPs in active IBD patients suggest a role for platelets in the pathogenesis of IBD.
