Thrombopoietin Contributes to Enhanced Platelet Activation in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Silencing of FUN14 Domain Containing 1 Inhibits Platelet Activation in Diabetes Mellitus through Blocking Mitophagy

Platelet hyperactivity represents a deleterious physiological phenomenon in diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to explore the role of FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC1) in platelet activation within the context of DM and to uncover relevant mechanisms, with a focus on mitophagy. A mouse model of DM was established by high-fat feeding and streptozotocin injection. Platelets isolated from whole blood were exposed to carbonyl cyanide-4-(trifluo-romethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP) to induce mitophagy. The relative mRNA expression of FUNDC1 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Western blotting was employed to measure the protein levels of FUNDC1, the ratio of LC3-II toLC3-I, and cleaved caspase-3. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were performed to assess LC3-positive mitochondria and platelet activation factor CD62P, respectively. Additionally, serum levels of β-thrombo-globulin (β-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4)were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FUNDC1 expression was elevated in DM mice, and its silencing decreased the body weight and fasting blood glucose. Inhibition of FUNDC1 also significantly attenuated FCCP-induced platelet mitophagy, as evidenced by the down-regulation of the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, up-regulation of Tomm20, and diminished presence of LC3-positive mitochondria. Moreover, platelet activation was noted in DM mice; this activation was mitigated upon FUNDC1 silencing, which was confirmed by the down-regulation of cleaved caspase-3 and CD62P as well as reductions in β-TG and PF4 serum levels. Silencing of FUNDC1 inhibited platelet hyperactivity in DM by impeding mitophagy. As such, FUNDC1-midiated mitophagy may be a promising target for the treatment of DM and its associated cardiovascular complications related cardiovascular events.

Associations Between Mean Platelet Volume and Various Factors in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Single-Center Study from Poland

BACKGROUND Thromboembolic episodes, which are largely mediated by blood platelets, are prevalent chronic complications of diabetes. The mean platelet volume (MPV) serves as a marker for in vivo platelet activation. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing MPV in 106 patients with type 2 diabetes, compared with 59 non-diabetic individuals at a single center in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed linear regression analysis, with MPV as the dependent variable and factors such as age, sex, thrombopoiesis-influencing cytokines, blood pressure, body mass index, glycosylated hemoglobin percentage, platelet count, large platelet count, lipid profile parameters, creatinine concentration, estimated glomerular filtration rate, treatment modalities, and comorbidities as independent variables. MPV was measured using the ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer, with a reference range of 7-12 fL. RESULTS The analysis revealed that in patients with type 2 diabetes, an increase in platelet count by 10×10³/μL resulted in a decrease in MPV by 0.05 (P<0.001), while an increase in large platelet count by 1×10³/μL led to an increase in MPV by 0.18 (P<0.001). Additionally, patients taking ß-blockers or insulin had lower MPVs by 0.77 (P=0.008) and 5.63 (P<0.001), respectively, compared with those not on these medications. CONCLUSIONS This study delineates the relationship between MPV, platelet parameters, and treatment modalities in type 2 diabetes, paving the way for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms and potential clinical applications.

Impact of Physical Exercise on Platelets: Focus on Its Effects in Metabolic Chronic Diseases

Chronic disorders are strongly linked to cardiovascular (CV) diseases, and it is unanimously accepted that regular exercise training is a key tool to improving CV risk factors, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Increased oxidative stress due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and their scavenging by endogenous antioxidant capacity is the common ground among these metabolic disorders, and each of them affects platelet function. However, the correction of hyperglycemia in diabetes and lipid profile in dyslipidemia as well as the lowering of body weight in obesity all correlate with amelioration of platelet function. Habitual physical exercise triggers important mechanisms related to the exercise benefits for health improvement and protects against CV events. Platelets play an important role in many physiological and pathophysiological processes, including the development of arterial thrombosis, and physical (in)activity has been shown to interfere with platelet function. Although data reported by studies carried out on this topic show discrepancies, the current knowledge on platelet function affected by exercise mainly depends on the type of applied exercise intensity and whether acute or habitual, strenuous or moderate, thus suggesting that physical activity and exercise intensity may interfere with platelet function differently. Thus, this review is designed to cover the aspects of the relationship between physical exercise and vascular benefits, with an emphasis on the modulation of platelet function, especially in some metabolic diseases.