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Biomedical subjects

Catherine P M Hayward

Publications and source records attributed to Catherine P M Hayward.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Variability in clinical laboratory practice in testing for disorders of platelet function: results of two surveys of the North American Specialized Coagulation Laboratory Association.

Disorders of platelet function are important causes of abnormal bleeding that require laboratory tests for diagnosis. Currently there are limited guidelines on how to perform clinical testing for these disorders. The goal of our study was to obtain information on how disorders of platelet function are currently evaluated in clinical laboratories. Two patterns-of-practice surveys were distributed to laboratories of the North American Specialized Coagulation Laboratory Association (NASCOLA). The information collected was analyzed to determine practices and common problems. Forty-seven NASCOLA laboratories participated and 54% completed both surveys. The majority of the laboratories that responded performed more than 50 aggregation tests per year, mainly using platelet rich plasma based methodologies. A minority performed testing for platelet secretion and dense granule abnormalities. While platelet aggregation results were reviewed in various ways, laboratories most commonly issued a combined report containing quantitative values (% aggregation and/or slope) and a qualitative interpretation. Although laboratories used similar agonists for aggregation testing, the final agonist concentrations varied widely. Several approaches were also used to obtain reference intervals. Comments offered by the participants indicated that performing, and interpreting platelet function tests were challenging for many clinical laboratories. Although common practices have evolved, there is considerable variability in the diagnostic test procedures used by clinical laboratories to evaluate disorders of platelet function. These patterns-of-practice surveys illustrate a need for guidelines and recommendations for clinical laboratories performing tests of platelet function.

Blood Platelet Disorders↗

Analyses of cellular multimerin 1 receptors: in vitro evidence of binding mediated by alphaIIbbeta3 and alphavbeta3.

Multimerin 1 (MMRN1) is a large, soluble, polymeric, factor V binding protein and member of the EMILIN protein family. In vivo, MMRN1 is found in platelets, megakaryocytes, endothelium and extracellular matrix fibers, but not in plasma. To address the mechanism of MMRN1 binding to activated platelets and endothelial cells, we investigated the identity of the major MMRN1 receptors on these cells using wild-type and RGE-forms of recombinant MMRN1. Ligand capture, cell adhesion, ELISA and flow cytometry analyses of platelet-MMRN1 binding, indicated that MMRN1 binds to integrins alphaIIbbeta3 and alphavbeta3. Endothelial cell binding to MMRN1 was predominantly mediated by alphavbeta3 and did not require the MMRN1 RGD site or cellular activation. Like many other alphavbeta3 ligands, MMRN1 had the ability to support adhesion of additional cell types, including stimulated neutrophils. Expression studies, using a cell line capable of endothelial-like MMRN1 processing, indicated that MMRN1 adhesion to cellular receptors enhanced its extracellular matrix fiber assembly. These studies implicate integrin-mediated binding in MMRN1 attachment to cells and indicate that MMRN1 is a ligand for alphaIIbbeta3 and alphavbeta3.

Blood Platelets↗

Diagnosis and management of mild bleeding disorders.

Mild bleeding disorders are a common reason for a referral to a hematologist and these conditions can be challenging to evaluate. Recent research has highlighted that some bleeding symptoms are quite common in the general population and that there is clinical variability in symptom expression among individuals with defined bleeding problems. Moreover, bleeding risks for many bleeding disorders are unknown. This article reviews symptoms and problems that can be considered suspicious of a mild form of bleeding disorder and the diagnostic investigations useful to evaluate these problems. A stepwise approach is presented for the diagnostic evaluation, to allow detection of common and rare coagulation and fibrinolytic defects, and adequate assessments of potential von Willebrand factor and platelet problems. Some common problems in the diagnosis and management of mild bleeding problems are reviewed, including the common failure to establish a diagnosis with testing. An approach is proposed for translation of knowledge to patients who are challenged by mild bleeding problems.

Blood Coagulation Disorders↗

Endocytosis and storage of plasma factor V by human megakaryocytes.

Factor V is an essential coagulation cofactor that circulates in plasma and platelet alpha-granules where it is stored complexed to multimerin I (MMRN1). To gain insights into the origin and processing of human platelet factor V, and factor V-MMRN I complexes, we studied factorV in cultured megakaryocytes. Factor V mRNA was detected in all megakaryocyte cultures. However, like albumin, IgG and fibrinogen, factorV protein was detectable only in megakaryocytes cultured with exogenous protein. The amount of factor V associated with megakaryocytes was influenced by the exogenous factorV concentration. Similar to platelet factor V, megakaryocyte factor V was proteolyzed and complexed with megakaryocyte-synthesized MMRN1. With secretagogues, megakaryocytes released factor V, IgG, fibrinogen and MMRN1. Immunofluorescent and electron microscopy confirmed factorV uptake by endocytosis and its trafficking to megakaryocyte alpha-granules. These data provide direct evidence that human megakaryocytes process plasma-derived factor V into alpha-granules and generate factorV-MMRN I complexes from endogenously and exogenously synthesized proteins.

Blood Platelets↗

Identification of the MMRN1 binding region within the C2 domain of human factor V.

In platelets, coagulation cofactor V is stored in complex with multimerin 1 in alpha-granules for activation-induced release during clot formation. The molecular nature of multimerin 1 factor V binding has not been determined, although multimerin 1 is known to interact with the factor V light chain. We investigated the region in factor V important for multimerin 1 binding using modified enzyme-linked immunoassays and recombinant factor V constructs. Factor V constructs lacking the C2 region or entire light chain had impaired and absent multimerin 1 binding, respectively, whereas the B domain deleted construct had modestly reduced binding. Analyses of point mutated constructs indicated that the multimerin 1 binding site in the C2 domain of factor V partially overlaps the phosphatidylserine binding site and that the factor V B domain enhances multimerin 1 binding. Multimerin 1 did not inhibit factor V phosphatidylserine binding, and it bound to phosphatidylserine independently of factor V. There was a reduction in factor V in complex with multimerin 1 after activation, and thrombin cleavage significantly reduced factor V binding to multimerin 1. In molar excess, multimerin 1 minimally reduced factor V procoagulant activity in prothrombinase assays and only if it was added before factor V activation. The dissociation of factor V-multimerin 1 complexes following factor V activation suggests a role for multimerin 1 in delivering and localizing factor V onto platelets prior to prothrombinase assembly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Bleeding risks associated with inheritance of the Quebec platelet disorder.

Quebec platelet disorder (QPD) is an autosomal dominant bleeding disorder associated with increased urokinase-type plasminogen activator in platelets and alpha-granule protein degradation. To determine bleeding risks and common manifestations of QPD, a history questionnaire was developed and administered to 127 relatives in a family with QPD. Data entry was done blinded to affected and unaffected status, determined by assays for platelet urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and fibrinogen degradation. Odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were determined for items queried. Summative bleeding scores for each individual were calculated using items with OR more than 1. Mean ages (34 years; range, 1-89 years) were similar for affected (n = 23) and unaffected (n = 104) family members. Affected individuals had higher mean bleeding scores (P <.0001) and a much higher likelihood (OR > 20) of having bleeding that led to lifestyle changes, bruises that spread lower or as large or larger than an orange or both, joint bleeds, bleeding longer than 24 hours after dental extractions or deep cuts, and received or been recommended other treatments (fibrinolytic inhibitors) for bleeding. Individuals with QPD and exposure(s) to hemostatic challenges had experienced excessive bleeding only when fibrinolytic inhibitors had not been used. These data illustrate that QPD is associated with increased risks of bleeding that can be modified by fibrinolytic inhibitors.

Adolescent↗

Prospective screening of 205 patients with ITP, including diagnosis, serological markers, and the relationship between platelet counts, endogenous thrombopoietin, and circulating antithrombopoietin antibodies.

Immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is characterized by destruction of circulating platelets and the presence of antiplatelet antibodies. Many of the current immunomodulatory therapies act by reducing platelet destruction and usually do not have a lasting effect. This prospective, exploratory study characterized patients with ITP by identifying their demographic and comorbid clinical factors, use of treatments, serologic markers of autoimmunity, and possible relationships between platelet counts, concentrations of endogenous thrombopoietin (eTPO), and the presence of circulating anti-TPO antibodies. Data including medical history and laboratory evaluations were collected at a single patient visit on 205 patients (19 children, 186 adults). Reported histories revealed a 5% rate of thrombotic/ischemic events. Autoimmune markers including direct antiglobulin test and antinuclear antibodies were found more frequently than in the normal population; antiplatelet antibody testing was not done. eTPO concentrations were comparable to concentrations found in healthy volunteers. Our study confirmed that no significant inverse correlation occurred between circulating concentrations of eTPO and platelet counts in patients with ITP (Spearman r = -0.15). Two of the 205 patients tested (1%) had neutralizing activity of recombinant human TPO in a biological assay; however, this activity was confirmed to be anti-TPO antibody in only 1 patient.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Dissociation between the level of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease activity and disease in a patient with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Decreased von Willebrand factor (VWF)-cleaving protease activity (<5%) has been implicated in patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome (Upshaw-Schulman syndrome) and associated with mutations within the ADAMTS13 gene. In this report, we describe longitudinal studies in a patient with congenital TTP who ultimately developed end-stage renal failure and required plasma therapy from infancy. The patient was deficient in plasma high molecular weight (HMW)-VWF multimers during acute disease but had increased amounts of the HMW-VWF multimers during periods of remission. DNA analysis of this patient detected homozygosity for the R692C mutation on exon 17 of the ADAMTS13 gene, previously linked to congenital TTP. The level of VWF-cleaving protease activity in the patient was remarkably low (<5%) throughout her disease, even after she entered complete remission. However, despite no improvement in the level of VWF-cleaving protease activity, this patient had complete resolution of disease following splenectomy and commencing hemodialysis, without need for ongoing plasma therapy. The patient has remained in remission for over 4 years. These observations suggest that there are other factors in conjunction with severe deficiency of VWF protease activity that participate in the platelet-mediated thrombotic complications and other disease manifestations of congenital TTP. In addition, it is possible that splenectomy could be an effective treatment option for some patients with severe, congenital TTP.

ADAM Proteins↗

Human platelets contain forms of factor V in disulfide-linkage with multimerin.

Factor V is an essential cofactor for blood coagulation that circulates in platelets and plasma. Unlike plasma factor V, platelet factor V is stored complexed with the polymeric alpha-granule protein multimerin. In analyses of human platelet factor V on nonreduced denaturing multimer gels, we identified that approximately 25% was variable in size and migrated larger than single chain factor V, the largest form in plasma. Upon reduction, the unusually large, variably-sized forms of platelet factor V liberated components that comigrated with other forms of platelet factor V, indicating that they contained factor V in interchain disulfide-linkages. With thrombin cleavage, factor Va heavy and light chain domains, but not B-domains,were liberated from the components linked by interchain disulfide bonds, indicating that the single cysteine in the B-domain at position 1085 was the site of disulfide linkage. Since unusually large factor V had a variable size and included forms larger than factor V dimers, the data suggested disulfide-linkage with another platelet protein, possibly multimerin. Immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that unusually large factor V was associated with multimerin and it remained associated in 0.5 M salt. Moreover, platelets contained a subpopulation of multimerin polymers that resisted dissociation from factor V by denaturing detergent and comigrated with unusually large platelet factor V, before and after thrombin cleavage. The disulfide-linked complexes of multimerin and factor V in platelets, which are cleaved by thrombin to liberate factor Va, could be important for modulating the function of platelet factor V and its delivery onto activated platelets. Factor Va generation and function from unusually large platelet factor V is only speculative at this time.

Blood Platelets↗

Inherited platelet disorders.

Inherited platelet disorders are important causes of bleeding that can quantitatively and qualitatively alter platelets, impairing their function. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the different types of inherited platelet disorders, their clinical and laboratory features, molecular genetic causes, and the therapies used in clinical practice to manage these conditions.

Blood Coagulation Disorders, Inherited↗

Intracellular activation of the fibrinolytic cascade in the Quebec Platelet Disorder.

The Quebec Platelet Disorder (QPD) is an unusual bleeding disorder associated with increased platelet stores of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and proteolysis of platelet alpha-granule proteins. The increased u-PA and proteolyzed plasminogen in QPD platelets led us to investigate possible contributions of intracellular plasmin generation to QPD alpha-granule proteolysis. ELISA indicated there were normal amounts of plasminogen and plasmin-alpha(2)-antiplasmin (PAP) complexes in QPD plasmas. Like normal platelets, QPD platelets contained only a small proportion of the blood plasminogen, however, they contained an increased amount of PAP complexes compared to normal platelets (P < 0.005). The quantities of plasminogen stored in platelets were important to induce QPD-like proteolysis of normal alpha-granule proteins by two chain u-PA (tcu-PA) in vitro. Moreover, adding supplemental plasminogen to QPD, but not to control, platelet lysates, triggered further alpha-granule protein proteolysis to forms that comigrated with plasmin degraded proteins. These data suggest the generation of increased but limiting amounts of plasmin within platelets is involved in producing the unique phenotypic changes to alpha-granule proteins in QPD platelets. The QPD is the only known bleeding disorder associated with chronic, intracellular activation of the fibrinolytic cascade.

Blood Platelet Disorders↗

Studies of alpha-granule proteins in cultured human megakaryocytes.

alpha-Granule protein storage is important for producing platelets with normal haemostatic function. The low to undetectable levels of several megakaryocyte-synthesized alpha-granule proteins in normal plasma suggest megakaryocytes are important to sequester these proteins in vivo. alpha-Granule protein storage in vitro has been studied using other cell types, with differences observed in how some proteins are processed compared to platelets. Human megakaryocytes, cultured from cord blood CD34(+) cells and grown in serum-free media containing thrombopoietin, were investigated to determine if they could be used as a model for studying normal alpha-granule protein processing and storage. ELISA indicated that cultured megakaryocytes contained the alpha-granule proteins multimerin, von Willebrand factor, thrombospondin-1, beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4, but no detectable fibrinogen and factor V. A significant proportion of the alpha-granule protein in megakaryocyte cultures was contained within the cells (averages: 41-71 %), consistent with storage. Detailed analyses of multimerin and von Willebrand factor confirmed that alpha-granule proteins were processed to mature forms and were predominantly located in the alpha-granules of cultured megakaryocytes.Thrombopoietin-stimulated cultured megakaryocytes provide a useful model for studying alpha-granule protein processing and storage.

Blood Proteins↗