Platelet proinflammatory activity in clinically stable patients with CF starts in early childhood

BackgroundEarly onset chronic inflammation is present in CF. Platelets may contribute to inflammation by cytokine release and interaction with leukocytes.MethodsParameters of platelet proinflammatory function (soluble CD62P, soluble CD40L, the percentage of platelet–leukocyte aggregates, platelet CD62P) and platelet procoagulatory function (PAC-1-binding to activated integrin αIIbβ3 and expression of integrin αIIbβ3 = CD41a) were measured in patients and controls.ResultsLevels of sCD62P, sCD40L were increased in CF irrespective of age and activity of inflammation. The number of platelet–leukocyte aggregates was elevated in older CF patients. PAC-1-binding to platelets decreased with growing activity of inflammation. Exocytosis of CD41a upon platelet activation was reduced.ConclusionIn CF, platelet proinflammatory activity is increased at very young age already and might promote inflammation and tissue damage. On the other hand, platelets seem to downregulate the activation of their most important integrin (αIIbβ3) for clot formation.