Abstract
Platelets are well recognized as a key cell component of the hemostatic system. Recently,
several additional functions have been discovered for these blood cells but most importantly
in the process of inflammation. Numerous research groups have demonstrated crucial
roles for platelets in the pathogenesis of varied clinical conditions where inflammation
is important. Alterations in both platelet number and function have been observed
with these different conditions. The relevance of these findings is their therapeutic
implications through simple antiplatelet therapy to more complex, as yet clinically
untrialed options, like interfering with platelet–leukocyte or platelet–endothelial
interaction. This review focuses on how platelets are relevant in inflammatory conditions
with an impetus on the clinical aspects.
Keywords
inflammation - platelets - thrombosis
