Platelet function in rheumatoid arthritis: arthritic and cardiovascular implications

Armen Yuri Gasparyan (1) , Antonios Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou (1) , Dimitri P. Mikhailidis (2) , Karen M. J. Douglas (1) , George D. Kitas (1, 3)

1 Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Research Unit
2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry (Vascular Prevention Clinic), Royal Free Hospital
3 Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) Epidemiology Unit

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at high risk of cardiovascular events. Platelet biomarkers are involved in inflammation, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Cardiovascular and RA-associated factors can alter the structure and function of platelets, starting from megakaryocytopoiesis. Reactive megakaryocytopoiesis increases circulating platelets count and triggers hyperactivity. Hyperactive platelets target synovial membranes with subsequent local rheumatoid inflammation. Hyperactive platelets interact with other cells, and target the vascular wall. Accumulating evidence suggests that disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) decrease platelet activity.

Mots clés: Rheumatoid arthritis; Platelet function; Biomarkers; Inflammation; Cardiovascular risk

Armen Yuri Gasparyan, Antonios Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou, Dimitri P. Mikhailidis, Karen M. J. Douglas, George D. Kitas. Platelet function in rheumatoid arthritis: arthritic and cardiovascular implications. Rheumatology International, 2010, 31 (2), pp.153-164. ⟨10.1007/s00296-010-1446-x⟩. ⟨hal-00585781⟩