Endothelial and platelet microparticles (eMPs and pMPs), markers of cellular activation, dysfunction or apoptosis, have been associated with multiple cardiovascular conditions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with cardiovascular comorbidities and platelet/endothelial dysfunction. We analyzed whether eMPs and pMPs are associated with COPD status and/or severity.
58 COPD patients and 19 controls were enrolled and followed for an average of 1.17 years. Characterization of COPD included lung function, Body-mass index, airflow obstruction, Dyspnea and exercise (BODE) scores, quality of life, exacerbations, comorbidities and mortality. Plasma collection to measure eMPs and pMPs via flow cytometry were performed at enrollment as well as during acute exacerbation in 17 subjects. We measured pMP’s (CD31+, CD41+31+, CD 62P+) eMP’s (Ulex lectin+, CD51+, CD54+ ,CD62E+), the apoptotic CD62E+/CD31+ ratio and Annexin V MP.
As a group, COPD subjects had no difference in all MP levels studied compared with controls. No significant correlations with diffusion capacity carbon monoxide, quality of life, and exacerbation status were found in all MPs studied. However, the eMP Ulex and the pMP CD 62P+ were higher among COPD stage III patients compared to controls. The CD62E+/CD31+ ratio was lower in controls and stage I COPD subjects compared with COPD stage II/III subjects, suggesting increased apoptosis. eMP Ulex lectin+ decreased during acute exacerbations and pMP41+31+ significantly increased as BODE score increased.
After adjusting for co-morbidities, most eMP and pMP studied do not correlate significantly with COPD status or severity.

JCOPDF © 2021.

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