Activation of blood platelets in chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis P-selectin expression on blood platelets and secretory activity of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor-4

Background/Aims: Blood platelets-are;cells that quite often undergo damage in chronic liver diseases. Endotoxemia and hyperkinetic circulation influen ce platelets in an active manner. The role sf platelets in the development of hepatitis and liver fibrosis is speculative. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of chronic liver diseases on platelets morphologic parameters, their secretory activity and beta -selectin expression. Methodology: The examination-was completed in the group of 29 patients with chronic hepatitis and 27 with liver cirrhosis of postinflammatory etiology (HBV HCV); Liver biopsies were carried out in all control group. Platelets morphological parameters (number, volume,platelet crit, micro- and macro-t hrombocyte fraction) were estimated. beta -thromboglobulin concentration an d platelet:factor 4 in blood serum as well as beta -selectin expression on resting platelets and after thrombin activation were alsoexamined. Results:Number, volume, and platelet crit decreased with the advancement of a liver disease. Megathrombocyte fraction increased inversely with the sev erity of liver damage. The concentration of beta -thromboglobulin and plate let factor 4 alpha -granule contents in blood serum was higher 2- and 7-tim es, respectively than in healthy controls. beta -selectin expression on res ting platelets was considerably higher. After stimulation with thrombin, be ta -selectin expression was equal (chronic hepatitis) or: higher (liver cir rhosis)than in the control. Conclusions: There are changes of platelet megathrombocyte fraction increas e, that occur in chronic liver diseases. Thrombocytes in chronic liver dise ases and Liver cirrhosis are more activated. Platelet-sensitivity to stimul i in these ailments is higher (liver cirrhosis) than in the healthy control s.