Elevated platelet expression of CD36 may contribute to increased risk of thrombo-embolism in active inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Context: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) induces increased risk of thrombo-embolism. CD36 is involved in platelet activation, glucose metabolism and inflammation.

Objective: The relationship between CD36 expression on platelets and monocytes, plasma sCD36, and CD36-positive platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs) and inflammation in both active IBD and after one week of anti-tumour necrosis alpha antibody (anti-TNF) treatment was investigated.

Material and methods: Patients with exacerbation of Crohn’s disease (n = 8) or ulcerative colitis (n = 5) and 13 healthy controls were enrolled. Seven patients underwent anti-TNF treatment for one week. Platelet, monocyte, and PDMP-CD36 were measured by flow-cytometry.

Results: Platelet CD36 expression was 34% higher in patients, and correlated with insulin resistance and fasting glucose. sCD36 was 37% lower and restored after anti-TNF treatment.

Conclusion: Elevated platelet CD36 expression may contribute to increased risk of thrombo-embolism in active IBD. This may not entirely be attributed to inflammation and secondary insulin resistance may play a role.

• Cell-derived microparticles
• CD36 antigen
• flow cytometry
• inflammation
• platelets

Acknowledgements

Lone Larsen is gratefully acknowledged for excellent technical assistance.