The Role of Cell Derived Microparticles in Cardiovascular Diseases: Current Concepts

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease remains the main cause of human morbidity and mortality in the developed countries. Microparticles (MPs) are small vesicles originating from the cell membrane as a result of various stimuli and particularly of biological processes that constitute the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, such as endothelial damage. They form vesicles that can transfer various molecules and signals to remote target cells without direct cell to cell interaction. Circulating microparticles have been associated with cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, many studies have been designed to further investigate the role of microparticles as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring. To this concept the pro-thrombotic and atherogenic potential of platelets and endothelial derived MPs has gain research interest especially concerning accelerate atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome triggering and prognosis. MPs especially of endothelial origin have been investigated in different clinical scenarios of heart failure and in association of left ventricular loading conditions. Finally, most cardiovascular risk factors present unique patterns of circulating MPs population, highlighting their pathophysiologic link to cardiovascular disease progression. In this review article we present a synopsis of the biogenesis and characteristics of microparticles, as well as the most recent data concerning their implication in the cardiovascular settings.