Crosstalk of platelets with macrophages and fibroblasts aggravates inflammation, aortic wall stiffening, and osteopontin release in abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Aims: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a highly lethal disease with progressive dilatation of the abdominal aorta accompanied by degradation and remodelling of the vessel wall due to chronic inflammation. Platelets play an important role in cardiovascular diseases, but their role in AAA is poorly understood.

Methods And Results: The present study revealed that platelets play a crucial role in promoting AAA through modulation of inflammation and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM).