title: Flow cytometric analysis of platelets type 2 diabetes mellitus reveals 'angry' platelets.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The function of platelets have extended way beyond the horizon of haemostasis and thrombosis, and are recognised as active participants in vascular inflammation, as well as in prothrombotic complications of cardiovascular diseases. We describe and compare platelet function in type II diabetes (with and without cardiovascular manifestation) and healthy individuals using scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty subjects were recruited per group and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Diabetic patients were recruited from the diabetic clinic of the Steve Biko Academic Hospital (South Africa). Blood samples were drawn from all participants so that platelet specific antigens were analyzed in citrated whole blood. The platelet parameters used in the study were platelet identifiers (CD41 and CD42) and markers of platelet activation (CD62 and CD63).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results show that, compared to healthy individuals, both diabetic groups showed a significant difference in both platelet identifiers (CD41-PE, CD42b-PE) as well as markers indicating platelet activation (CD62P-PE and CD63-PE).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The flow cytometric data shows that the platelet surface receptors and platelet activation are statistically elevated. This is suggestive of enhanced platelet activation and it appears as if platelets are displaying 'angry' behaviour. The lysosomal granules may play a significant role in diabetes with cardiovascular complications. These results were confirmed by ultrastructural analysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x323, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa.
authors.forename: Prashilla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Soma
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x323, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa.
authors.forename: Albe Carina
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Swanepoel
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x323, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa.
authors.forename: Jeanette Noel
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: du Plooy
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x323, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa.
authors.forename: Thandi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mqoco
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x323, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa. resia.pretorius@up.ac.za.
authors.forename: Etheresia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pretorius
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D015415:Biomarkers