Analysis of monocyte-platelet aggregates for clinical application

Abstract

P-selectin and PAC-1, which are known as platelet activation markers, require special antibodies, and there are many problems to be solved before putting them into clinical application. On the other hand, the analysis of monocyte-platelet aggregates does not require special antibodies and is highly sensitive. Therefore, we focused on this method and discussed its clinical application. As for the sodium citrate blood and EDTA-2K blood of subjects aged 19 to 32 years, we observed variations in monocyte-platelet aggregate rate (mono-PLT%). Moreover, as for clinical samples (from subjects aged 40 to 74 years; EDTA-2K blood), we observed the mono-PLT% of the sample group whose LDL, TG, and blood glucose levels were normal (Normal) and the sample group whose LDL, TG, and blood glucose levels were abnormal (Abnormal). In the analysis of the sodium citrate blood, mono-PLT% increased, while in the analysis of the EDTA-2K blood, it was stable for a long period of time. The average mono-PLT% of the EDTA-2K blood was 34.0 ± 12.7% (average ± SD). The average mono-PLT% values of the clinical samples were 29.5 ± 12.7% for the Normal and 42.1 ± 19.5% for the Abnormal, which were significantly different (p < 0.05). This method using EDTA-2K does not require special antibodies and is inexpensive and stable for a long time after blood sampling. Moreover, surplus samples can be used for this method. Accordingly, it was considered that this method could be used as a useful platelet activation marker in clinical practice.