Diabetes type 2: relationships between lysosomal exocytosis of circulating normal-sized platelets and in vitro ɑ-thrombin-evoked platelet responses

Abstract Background/objective Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. It is well agreed that the reactivity of diabetic platelets is increased but how platelet reactivity regulates is unknown. In our laboratory, density separated platelets have been investigated extensively and high- and low-density platelets circulate in an activated state. The density distribution of circulating platelets is altered in diabetes type 2 as well. We hypothesize that such platelets modify whole blood (WB) in vitro α-thrombin-evoked (10 μM/mL) activity in type 2 diabetes. Thus, the study aims to identify features of circulating normal-sized density subpopulations affecting whole blood (WB) platelet reactivity in type 2 diabetes. Patients and methods Patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 16) were enrolled. Their normal-sized platelets were divided into density subfractions (n = 16) using continuous polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silica (Percoll™) gradients (density span, 1.090–1.040 kg/L) containing prostaglandin E1. The proportions (%) of such density-separated platelets expressing lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1) were analyzed using a flow cytometer. Further, determinations of WB ɑ-thrombin-evoked (10 U/mL) surface LAMP-1 (an assessment of lysosomal release), the fibrinogen (αIIbβ3) receptor activity, annexin V (binds to exposed membrane phosphatidylserine), and mitochondrial transmembrane potentials (an estimate of organelle integrity) were performed. Surface LAMP-1 expressions of individual normal-sized platelet density subpopulations were stratified into equal-sized groups (n = 2) depending on reactivity, as judged from the ɑ-thrombin-induced WB activity markers. Results With some exceptions, the proportion of normal-sized circulating platelets showing spontaneous LAMP-1 was strongly associated with WB ɑ-thrombin-evoked (10 U/mL) surface LAMP-1 and αIIbβ3 receptor activity. LAMP-1-expressing normal-sized platelets also displayed inverse associations with WB ɑ-thrombin-induced surface annexin V and mitochondrial damage, which are features of procoagulant platelets. Conclusions From the current descriptive work only involving type 2 diabetes, it is impossible to judge whether the findings are features of the disease or if they occur in healthy individuals as well. However, the study describes LAMP-1 expressing subpopulations of circulating normal-sized platelets that associate with WB α-thrombin (10 U/mL) responses in vitro. Increased proportions of such platelets induced lysosomal release and αIIbβ3 receptor activity, whereas lower proportions promoted WB agonist-induced procoagulant platelet creation. It is to hypothesize that the new described regulatory mechanism could in the future offer a possibility to influence platelet behavior in type 2 diabetes. Key messages Lysosomal exocytosis of circulating platelets influences reactivity, as determined by agonist-induced platelet reactions in vitro Thus, the low release of lysosomes by normal-sized platelets in vivo increases agonist-evoked procoagulant platelet production. Higher lysosomal exocytosis of circulating normal-sized platelets promotes platelet aggregation and secretion.