Endothelial-derived microparticles: Biological conveyors at the crossroad of inflammation, thrombosis and angiogenesis

Abstract

Endothelial microparticles (EMP) are complex vesicular structures that can be shed by activated or apoptotic endothelial cells. EMP are composed of a phospholipid bilayer that exposes transmembrane proteins and receptors and encloses cytosolic components such as enzymes, transcription factors and mRNA derived from their parent cells. Thus, EMP behave as biological conveyors playing a key role in the tuning of vascular homeostasis. This review focuses on the multifaceted roles of EMP, notably in coagulation, inflammation and angiogenesis and also on the mechanisms that trigger their formation. In this context, EMP could compromise vascular homeostasis and then represent key players in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory and thrombotic diseases. Consequently, elucidating their role and their mechanisms of formation will bring new insights into the understanding of endothelial-associated diseases. Moreover, in the future, it can open novel therapeutic perspectives based on the inhibition of EMP release.

Effects of long-term serial cell passaging on cell spreading, migration, and cell-surface ultrastructures of cultured vascular endothelial cells

“…b The average number of migrating cells per field (the dashed rectangle indicates a field in the second image of the upper panel of a). Values are expressed as mean ± SEM (n C 6 from three independent experiments; asterisk, P \ 0.05) 2011; Leroyer et al 2010). Therefore, potentially by enhancing membrane vesiculation, cold storage and cell passaging might be responsible for the relatively high average roughness values before passage 5 and the gradual increases after passage 15, respectively.…”

Differential Response to Exercise in African Americans with High Levels of Inflammation

“…[37][38][39] Recently, EMPs have been identified as novel markers of vascular disease stage. [13][14][15][16]19 Increases in CD62+ labeled EMPs are usually associated with activation of endothelial cells, which is a sign of early stage endothelial dysfunction, a predecessor for atherosclerosis and hypertension. Conversely, CD31+/CD42b-labeled EMPs are considered a measure of late stage endothelial dysfunction and endothelial cell apoptosis.…”

“…11,12 Measures included several well-established markers of CVD, as well as endothelial microparticles (EMPs), a biomarker of endothelial health, which is becoming a powerful predictor and mediator of CVD. [13][14][15][16] We hypothesized that the high inflammation group would show a blunted exercise response when compared with the low-to-average inflammation group in regard to predictors of CVD.…”

Increased Circulating Apoptotic CD31+/CD42b- and Activated CD62E+ Endothelial Micro Particles in Coronary Artery Disease

“…EMP retain endothelial cell surface proteins and components of the cytosol, including enzymes, RNA, and micro (mi)RNA. The biological functions of EMP are related to inflammation, vascular tone, and coagulation [5,6]. The results of the present study show that the number of EMP is higher in CAD patients than in healthy controls, which is an indicator of endothelial apoptosis and activation in these patients.…”