Altered functions of platelets during aging
Year: 2019
Type: review
Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Platelets are specialized effector cells that rapidly respond to sites of vascular injury. However, emerging data demonstrate that platelets possess diverse functions that also mediate inflammatory responses and neurological diseases. These functions are relevant to disease processes prevalent among older adults and likely influence susceptibility to thrombotic and inflammatory disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: Platelet counts decrease in aged individuals whereas platelet reactivity increases. The platelet transcriptome is altered in aged individuals resulting in altered platelet function and exaggerated inflammation. Platelet signaling to monocytes in aging results in significantly more cytokines because of increased platelet-derived granzyme A. Platelet activation in aging appears to be driven, in part, because of increased reactive oxygen species and activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Increased platelet hyperactivity in diseases is associated with aging, such cardiovascular disease and sepsis, exaggerate inflammation and thrombosis. Noncanonical functions of platelets influence the development of neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease. SUMMARY: Although there have been advances dissecting the molecular mechanisms regarding aging-related changes in platelets, many knowledge gaps still remain. Studies filling these gaps are likely to identify new mechanisms driving aging-related changes in platelet gene expression and function, and contributing to injurious thrombo-inflammation in older adults.
Source: Current Opinion in Hematology
Authors: Emilie Montenont, Matthew T. Rondina, Robert A. Campbell
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Translational Control of Megakaryocyte and Platelet Function in Sepsis, Platelet Immune Responses in Aging and Influenza, Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein 3 (IFITM3) Regulates Thrombosis During Inflammation in Aging, Novel Regulatory Mechanisms of Inflammation-Induced Thrombosis, G4814311130, Utah Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Effects of ART on Platelets and HIV-Associated Thrombosis
OpenAlex ID: W2957922577