Cystic Fibrosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cystic Fibrosis, including details on symptoms, genetics, treatment, information.

The inflammatory role of platelets in cystic fibrosis.

O'Sullivan BP, Michelson AD

Department of Pediatrics, UMass Memorial Health Care, 55 Lake Avenue, North Worcester, MA 01655, USA. osullivb@ummhc.org

Platelets are an important, albeit generally underappreciated, component of the inflammatory cascade. Platelets are known to contribute to inflammation in atherosclerosis, stroke, and asthma. They produce a large number of proinflammatory lipid mediators and cytokines, and play a vital role in recruitment of leukocytes into inflamed tissue. We review the role of platelets in inflammation, how they assist in the recruitment of leukocytes into lung tissue in asthma, and evidence of their dysfunction in cystic fibrosis (CF). Platelet dysfunction in CF could contribute to pulmonary inflammation and tissue destruction. We hypothesize that platelet activation is important in CF lung disease and suggest research avenues that might help elucidate the role of activated platelets in CF.

Published 22 February 2006 in Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 173(5): 483-90.
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