Tissue factor expression on platelets in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective To investigate the expression of tissue factor (TF) on platelet monocyte aggregates (PMA) and platelets as a participating factor in pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Background ACS is due to rupture of an arterial plaque. TF on platelets and PMA may provide potential distal sites for generation of new thrombi. In this study, the expressions of TF on PMA and platelets are investigated as participating factors in pathogenesis of ACS. Patients and methods Twenty-five patients with acute myocardial infarction, 25 patients with stable angina, and 20 clinically healthy patients as control are investigated for TF on PMA, as well as platelet-associated TF by flow cytometry analysis. Results TF on platelets and PMA were highly significant in patients with acute myocardial infarction than those with stable angina and controls. Conclusion The greater expression of TF on platelets and PMA strengthens the link between platelet activation, blood coagulation, and thrombus formation and may further contribute to the hypercoagulability associated with the disease.