Significance of chemokines and activated platelets in patients with diabetes
Levels of platelet‐derived microparticles (PMPs), platelet activation markers (P‐selectin expressed on, or annexin V binding to, platelets (plt:P‐selectin or plt:annexin V, respectively)), chemokines (IL‐8, monocyte chemotactic peptide‐1 (MCP‐1), and regulated on activation normally T‐cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)), and soluble P‐ and E‐selectins were compared in peripheral blood from diabetic and control patients in order to develop a better understanding of their potential contribution to diabetic vascular complications. Significant increases were found for PMPs, plt:P‐selectin, MCP‐1, RANTES and soluble P‐ and E‐selectins in diabetic individuals, whereas IL‐8 levels were similar. Furthermore, after ticlopidine treatment, most of these factors receded to baseline levels observed in non‐diabetic patients. Our findings indicate that ticlopidine might be able to prevent or reduce vascular complications in diabetic patients.