Do signals released by platelets promote atherosclerosis?

How do activated platelets promote foam cell formation?

Heart attacks are caused by a build up of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries of the heart. The plaque can lead to restricted blood flow to the heart muscle, causing angina, or complete blockage of an artery, causing a heart attack. Plaques are formed when monocytes (a type of white blood cell) enter the vessel walls and become ‘foam cells’, cholesterol-filled macrophages. An understanding of how foam cells (and therefore plaque) forms is in need. Dr Goodall and colleagues at the University of Leicester are looking at how monocytes transform into foam cells. In particular they are studying how platelets, another type of blood cell, can become attached to monocytes and send signals which cause monocytes to change to foam cells, suggesting that platelets can promote atherosclerosis. The team will study the blood cells of patients following an acute coronary event such as angina or a heart attack. They will also see if current therapies like antiplatelet drugs affect these processes. Unravelling the signalling between platelets and monocytes will help scientists learn more about how plaques form. This could help identify novel targets for new or improved treatments for the prevention of heart disease.