The Impact of Vascular Disease Treatment on Platelet-Derived Microvesicles

Platelet-derived microvesicles (pMVs) are small, heterogeneous vesicles released from platelet membranes as a result of activation. These microvesicles possess a wide range of properties, including prothrombotic, proatherogenic, proinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and even anticoagulant activity. The elevated release of these microvesicles has been observed in various metabolic, inflammatory, thrombotic, and vascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and connective tissue disease. Modulation of both pMV generation and the expression of their surface molecules may have beneficial clinical implications and could become a novel therapeutic target. However, mechanisms by which pharmacological agents can modify pMV formation are elusive. The purpose of this review is to discuss the effects of drugs routinely used in primary and secondary prevention of vascular disease on the release of pMV and expression of their surface procoagulant and proinflammatory molecules.