Background: Endothelial (EMPs) and platelet microparticles (PMPs) have been studied as biomarkers in several inflammatory diseases and as central players in intercellular communication.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess microparticle levels in asthma. Circulating microparticles and inflammatory and angiogenic markers were assessed by clinical and laboratorial evaluation, flow cytometry, and immunoassays, in a group of 20 asthmatic and 15 nonasthmatic subjects.
Results: Circulating levels of PMPs (either CD31+/42b+ or CD31+/42b+/AnV+) were significantly increased in asthmatics (P = 0.021) even after adjustment for confounders. Apoptotic EMPs (CD31+/42b--/AnV+) were significantly increased before (P = 0.005) but not after adjustments (P = 0.117).
Conclusions: We propose that PMPs may be putative asthma biomarkers, playing a role in asthma pathophysiology.
Keywords: VEGF; apoptosis; asthma; endothelial and platelet microparticles; sICAM-1.
© 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.