Platelet counts and platelet activation markers in obese subjects.
OBJECTIVE
In this work we studied the correlation between platelet count, platelet activation, and systemic inflammation in overweight, obese, and morbidly obese individuals.


METHODS
A total of 6319 individuals participated in the study. Complete blood counts, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) serum levels, and body mass index (BMI) were measured during routine checkups. Platelet activation markers were studied among 30 obese (BMI = 41 +/- 8 kg/m(2)) and 35 nonobese (BMI = 24 +/- 3 kg/m(2)) individuals. Platelet activation status was evaluated by flow cytometry using specific antibodies against the activated platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, p-selectin (CD-62 p), and binding of Annexin-V to platelet anionic phospholipids.


RESULTS
Overweight, obese, and morbidly obese females had significantly elevated platelet counts ( P < .0001) compared with normal-weight females. No significant elevation of platelet counts was observed in the male subgroups. A significant age adjusted correlation between BMI and platelet counts ( P < .0001) was found among females. This correlation was attenuated (P = .001) after adjustment for hs-CRP concentrations. The flow cytometry analysis of platelets showed no significant differences in activation marker expression between nonobese and obese individuals.


CONCLUSIONS
Obesity may be associated with elevated platelet counts in females with chronic inflammation. Obesity is not associated with increased platelet activation.
Samocha-Bonet
Dorit
D
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Ramat-Aviv, Israel.
Justo
Dan
D
Rogowski
Ori
O
Saar
Nili
N
Abu-Abeid
Subchi
S
Shenkerman
Galina
G
Shapira
Itzhak
I
Berliner
Shlomo
S
Tomer
Aaron
A
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood*; D019007:P-Selectin / Q000097:blood; D015539:Platelet Activation; D010976:Platelet Count
D015415:Biomarkers; D019007:P-Selectin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein