LONG COVID WP6 – Canzano P. et al.

LONG COVID WP6 – Valutazione dei biomarcatori emergenti di trombosi attraverso lo studio del sistema di cellule endoteliali-sangue

PLATELET AND ENDOTHELIAL ACTIVATION AS POTENTIAL MECHANISMS BEHIND THE THROMBOTIC COMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19 PATIENTS

The authors hypothesized that the cytokine storm described in COVID-19 patients may lead to consistent cell-based tissue factor (TF)-mediated activation of coagulation, procoagulant microvesicles (MVs) release, and massive platelet activation. COVID-19 patients have higher levels of TF+ platelets, TF+ granulocytes, and TF+ MVs than healthy subjects and coronary artery disease patients. Plasma MV-associated thrombin generation is present in prophylactic anticoagulated patients. A sustained platelet activation in terms of P-selectin expression and platelet–leukocyte aggregate formation, and altered nitric oxide/prostacyclin synthesis are also observed. COVID-19 plasma, added to the blood of healthy subjects, induces platelet activation similar to that observed in vivo. This effect was blunted by pre-incubation with tocilizumab, aspirin, or a P2Y12 inhibitor.

Reference: Canzano P, Brambilla M, Porro B, Cosentino N, Tortorici E, Vicini S, et al. Platelet and Endothelial Activation as Potential Mechanisms Behind the Thrombotic Complications of COVID-19 Patients. JACC Basic Transl Sci. 2021;6(3):202-18. Epub 2021/03/03. doi: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2020.12.009. PubMed PMID: 33649738; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC7904280.