Summary
Thrombosis is an important clinical entity, and pathologic thrombosis, in the form
of atherosclerosis, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent research points
to the role of chemokines, normally key factors in inflammation, in thrombogenesis.
Many recent studies in murine transgenic and knockout models show that chemokines
and their receptors are important modulators of the process of thrombus formation,
particularly in atherosclerosis. Platelet-released chemokines can potentiate or inhibit
thrombosis and inflammation.This review focuses on the role of chemokines in platelet
activation and thrombosis, particularly as it relates to atherosclerosis. Further
studies to define this complex interaction are underway.
Keywords
Chemokines - thrombosis - atherosclerosis - chemokine receptors - platelets