Platelet Integrin αIIbβ3 Activation is Associated with 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Healthy Adults.

Background:  Cardiovascular events are associated with low circulating vitamin D concentrations, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study investigated associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, platelet function, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes influencing vitamin D biology in the 500 Functional Genomics (500FG) cohort.

Methods:  In this observational study, platelet activation and function were measured by flow cytometry by binding of fibrinogen to the activated fibrinogen receptor integrin αIIbβ3 and expression of P-selectin, markers of platelet aggregation and degranulation, respectively.

Platelets Modulate IFN-γ Production against in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells via Prostaglandins.

Platelets are known to have immunomodulatory properties. They modulate immune responses of leukocytes against various pathogens, including fungi. can cause systemic infection in immunocompromised individuals that is associated with a high mortality and morbidity.

Increased Platelet-Monocyte Interaction in Stable COPD in the Absence of Platelet Hyper-Reactivity.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well known for its cardiovascular co-morbidities. Increased platelet-monocyte interaction is found in COPD and may reflect altered platelet function and a potential role for anti-platelet therapy.

Objectives: The objectives were to investigate platelet-monocyte interaction, platelet activation and reactivity and plasmatic coagulation in stable COPD.

The effects of signal transducer and activator of transcription three mutations on human platelets.

Involvement of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in inflammation is well known. Recently, a role for STAT3 in platelet activation and platelet production has been suggested. Platelets exhibit important immune functions and engagement of STAT3 in platelet physiology may link inflammation and hemostasis.

Toll-like receptor 2 induced cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 regulates Aspergillus-induced regulatory T-cells with pro-inflammatory characteristics.

Patients with cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe asthma, pre-existing pulmonary lesions, and severely immunocompromised patients are susceptible to develop infections with the opportunistic pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, called aspergillosis. Infections in these patients are associated with persistent pro-inflammatory T-helper (T)2 and T17 responses. Regulatory T-cells, natural suppressor cells of the immune system, control pro-inflammatory T-cell responses, but can also contribute to disease by shifting to a pro-inflammatory T17-like phenotype.

Prevalence and Localization of Pulmonary Embolism in Unexplained Acute Exacerbations of COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Patients with COPD experience episodes of increased inflammation, so-called acute exacerbations of COPD (AE-COPD). In 30% of AE-COPD cases, no clear cause is found. Since there is well-known cross talk between inflammation and thrombosis, the objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, embolus localization, clinical relevance, and clinical markers of pulmonary embolism (PE) in unexplained AE-COPD.

Prevention of exacerbations in patients with COPD and vitamin D deficiency through vitamin D supplementation (PRECOVID): a study protocol.

Background: Vitamin D is well known for its function in calcium homeostasis and bone mineralisation, but is increasingly studied for its potential immunomodulatory properties. Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in patients with COPD. Previous studies have not demonstrated a beneficial effect of vitamin D on exacerbation rate in COPD patients.