Thrombocytopenia in Plasmodium vivax Malaria Is Related to Platelets Phagocytosis

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063410
• Publication Date: 2013-05-29T04:01:04Z
• Authors: Helena Cristina C...; Stefanie C. P. Lopes; João Paulo D. Pim...; Paulo A. Nogueira; Fábio T. M. Costa; André M. Siqueira; Gisely C. Melo; Wuelton M. Monteiro; Adriana Malheiro; Marcus V. G. Lacerda
• Keywords: Mean platelet volume

Background Although thrombocytopenia is a hematological disorder commonly reported in malarial patients, its mechanisms are still poorly understood, with only few studies focusing on the role of platelets phagocytosis. Methods and Findings Thirty-five malaria vivax patients eight healthy volunteers (HV) were enrolled study. Among (<150,000 platelets/µL) was found 62.9% (22/35). Mean platelet volume (MPV) higher thrombocytopenic as compared to non- (p = 0.017) negative correlation between count MPV (r −0.483; p 0.003). Platelets from HV or labeled 5-chloromethyl fluorescein diacetate (CMFDA), incubated human monocytic cell line (THP-1) phagocytosis index analyzed by flow cytometry. The non-thrombocytopenic 0.042) 0.048). A observed −0.402; 0.016). Platelet activation assessed measuring expression P-selectin (CD62-P) platelets' surface No significant difference 0.092). After evaluating cytokine profile (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ IL-17) patients' sera, levels IL-10 elevated HV. Moreover, IL-6 values than ones 0.044 0.017, respectively. In contrast, TNF-α not different three groups, but positive −0.305; 0.037). Conclusion/Significance Collectively, our findings indicate that may contribute malaria. Finally, we believe this study opens new avenues explore involved dysfunction, patients.