Expression of platelet glycoprotein VI is associated with transient ischemic attack and stroke (original) (raw)

2010, European Journal of Neurology

Background The platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) contributes significantly to platelet adhesion and thrombus formation. This study examined the platelet surface expression of GPVI in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke. Methods and results We consecutively evaluated 205 patients, who admitted the stroke unit with symptoms for stroke. Surface expression of the platelet activation markers (GPVI, CD62P, GPIb) was determined by two-color whole blood flow cytometry. Patients with TIA as well as with stroke showed a significantly enhanced GPVI expression on admission compared to patients with non-ischemic (NI) events (TIA (mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) + SD): 20.9±7.1 vs. NI: 16.2±3.9; p=0.002; stroke: 20.4±5.7 vs. NI; p=0.002), whereas CD62P surface expression showed a significant elevation in TIA and merely a trend in stroke (TIA vs. NI: 12.8±4 vs. 10.9±3.6; p=0.048; stroke: 12.6±7.9 vs. NI; p=0.145). Logistic regression analysis revealed that on admission GPVI was associated with stroke independent of conventional laboratory markers such as C-reactive protein, blood glucose, and creatine kinase. Using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve on GPVI, we have determined the cut off value of 18.2 for stroke. The area under the curve was 0.683 (95%CI, 0.585 to 0.757). Thus, patients with enhanced GPVI expression levels (≥18.2) had a 2.4 fold relative risk for stroke. Patients with elevated platelet GPVI expression level had a poorer clinical outcome in cumulative event-free survival for stroke, myocardial infarction, and cerebro-/cardiovascular death at three-month follow-up (Log rank; p=0.045). Conclusion Platelet GPVI surface expression is significantly enhanced in patients with TIA and stroke compared to patients with NI events. Determination of platelet-specific GPVI may be useful as an early biomarker for cerebral ischemia.

Sign up for access to the world's latest research.

checkGet notified about relevant papers

checkSave papers to use in your research

checkJoin the discussion with peers

checkTrack your impact