AUTHOR=Wei Kangkang , Huang Hongbo , Liu Min , Shi Dazhuo , Ma Xiaojuan 

TITLE=Platelet-Derived Exosomes and Atherothrombosis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2022.886132

DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2022.886132

ISSN=2297-055X

ABSTRACT=Platelet-derived exosomes (PLT-Exos) are the main subtype of extracellular vesicles secreted by platelets, which carry proteins, nucleotides, lipids, and other substances to acceptor cells, playing an important role in intercellular communication. PLT-Exos increase with platelet activation and are involved in the process of atherothrombosis by delivering cargo to acceptor cells. Atherosclerotic plaque rupture, causing thrombosis and arterial occlusion, is the basic pathological change leading to cardiovascular events. PLT-Exos have different functions under different conditions. PLT-Exos secreted by healthy volunteer or mice can inhibit platelet activation and inflammation of endothelial cells, thus exerting an antithrombotic effect, while PLT-Exos induce endothelial apoptosis and an inflammatory response in some patients may to promote atherothrombosis. Furthermore, increased PLT-Exos reflect platelet activation and their cargoes also are derived from platelets; therefore, PLT-Exos can also be used as a biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. This article reviews the characteristics of PLT-Exos and discusses their role in cell-to-cell communication and atherothrombosis.