Platelets redox balance assessment: Current evidence and methodological considerations

Altered function of platelets can lead to cardiovascular complications in numerous disorders. Various studies aimed to investigate mechanisms triggering platelets activation cascade show a significant role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this matter. Moreover, ROS are known causal factor of oxidative stress that can result in DNA, lipid and protein damage. This review aims to comprehensively present the variety of methods that are potentially useful in assessment of platelets redox balance, such as intracellular concentration of particular ROS, activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio, level of lipid peroxidation, Cu/Zn ratio, and molecular oxygen consumption. They may help to establish the platelet-related etiological factors in different disorders and to evaluate the antiplatelet therapies. The advantages and limitations of these methods are also discussed. The present paper highlights that clinicians may benefit from implementation of such tools and further encourages developing interdisciplinary evidence-based practice.