Differential macrophage activation alters the expression profile of NTPDase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase.

Macrophages are key elements in the inflammatory process, whereas depending on the micro-environmental stimulation they exhibit a pro-inflammatory (classical/M1) or an anti-inflammatory/reparatory (alternative/M2) phenotype. Extracellular ATP can act as a danger signal whereas adenosine generally serves as a negative feedback mechanism to limit inflammation. The local increase in nucleotides communication is controlled by ectonucleotidases, such as members of the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) family and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 (ecto-5'-NT).

Homocysteine decreases extracellular nucleotide hydrolysis in rat platelets.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherothrombotic disease. Platelets play an important role in cardiovascular disease and release pro-aggregates mediators when activated, such as ADP, a physiological agonist involved in normal hemostasis and thrombosis. NTPDases and 5'-nucleotidase are ecto-enzymes that hydrolyze ATP, ADP and AMP to adenosine playing an important role on blood flow and thrombogenesis by regulating ADP catabolism.