Cardiology Research and Practice
Volume 2021 (2021), Article ID 5545416, 14 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5545416

Review Article

Protective Role of Platelets in Myocardial Infarction and Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Kornela Hałucha,1,2 Alina Rak-Pasikowska,¹ and Iwona Bil-Lula¹

¹Division of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Hematology, Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211 A, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
²Lower Silesian Oncology Center, Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wroclaw, Poland

Correspondence should be addressed to Iwona Bil-Lula; iwona.bil-lula@umed.wroc.pl

Received 22 January 2021; Accepted 5 May 2021; Published 25 May 2021

Academic Editor: David J. Chambers

Copyright © 2021 Kornela Hałucha et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

Thrombotic occlusion of the coronary artery is a key component in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction (MI). The standard therapy for ischemia is revascularization and restoration of blood flow to previously ischemic myocardium. Paradoxically, reperfusion may result in further tissue damage called ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Platelets play a major role in the pathogenesis of MI and IRI, since they contribute to the thrombus and microthrombi formation, inflammation, release of immunomodulatory mediators, and vasoconstrictive molecules. Antiplatelet therapies have proven efficacy in the prevention of thrombosis and play a protective role in cardiac IRI. Beyond the deterioration effect of platelets in MI and IRI, in the 90s the first reports on a protective effect of molecules released from platelets during MI appeared. However, the role of platelets in cardioprotection is still poorly understood. This review describes the involvement of platelets in MI, IRI, and inflammation. It mainly focuses on the protective role of platelets in MI and IRI. Platelets are involved in cardioprotection based on platelet-releasing molecules and antiplatelet therapy, apart from antiaggregatory effects. Additionally, the use of platelet-derived microparticles as possible markers of MI, with and without comorbidities, and their role in cardioprotection are discussed. This review is aimed at illustrating the present knowledge on the role of platelets in MI and IRI, especially in a context of cardioprotection.

1. Introduction

Activated platelets play an important role in cardiovascular diseases especially in myocardial infarction (MI). They participate in the thrombus formation and microembolization, contributing to coronary artery occlusion. In addition, in many cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure [1], coronary heart disease [2], and MI [3], an inflammatory component involving platelets has been observed. Besides, the detrimental effect of platelets in MI, the cardioprotective role of platelets has also been shown. The first reports on protective effects of platelets in MI appeared in the 1990s and were mainly focused on the protective effects of molecules released from the platelets during their activation and aggregation [4–6]. However, the cardioprotective properties of platelets are still poorly known.

In this paper, we present several aspects of the platelets interactions. The first one is the role of platelets in the pathology of MI, ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), and inflammation, particularly in the aspect of platelet-neutrophil and platelet-endothelium interactions. The second one is the protective role of platelets molecules in MI and IRI, as well as platelet-mediated mechanisms of cardioprotection. The importance of platelet microvesicles (PMVs) as possible biomarkers of thrombosis and cardiovascular events and the protective effect of PMVs are discussed. Finally, cardioprotective effects of antiplatelet therapy apart from antiaggregatory effect are discussed.

2. Platelets in Myocardial Infarction and Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

The major role of platelets in MI is a thrombotic occlusion of the macroscopic and microscopic coronary vessels. The denudation of the vessel wall, as a result of unstable plaque rupture or intravascular intervention, leads to exposure of subendothelial matrix. The interaction of platelets with damaged vascular wall results in adhesion, activation, and aggregation of platelets. The subendothelial extracellular matrix is composed primarily of collagen fibrils, proteoglycans, glycoproteins (GP), and water [7]. Von Willebrand factor (vWF) secreted from the endothelial cells partially adheres to the subendothelial matrix collagen, while the majority is released into the lumen [8]. The adhesion of platelets to the damaged vessel wall is possible due to the presence of several receptors on platelet surface. The complex of GPIb-IX-V and integrin αIIbβ3 (GPIIb/IIIa) binds to vWF immobilized by collagen, while GPVI and integrin α2β1 (VLA-2, GPIa/IIa) bind directly to subendothelial collagen [9–11]. The adhesion of platelets to the subendothelial layer triggers the platelets activation, which results in platelets morphology changes and the expression of platelets receptors, leading to alterations in the platelets phenotype [12]. GPVI has been established as a crucial molecule for platelets-vessel wall interactions, due to the initial role in adhesion, activation, and aggregation of platelets at the site of vascular damage [13]. Activated platelets release soluble mediators like thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and generates thrombin. TXA2 is formed de novo from arachidonic acid (AA) through the activation of platelet cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 1. ADP, TXA2, and thrombin contribute to the formation of a blood clot by the stimulation of circulating platelets for activation and aggregation in the process named platelet recruitment [14, 15]. Furthermore, TXA2 has vasoconstrictive properties, which slows down blood flow and contributes to the thrombus formation [16]. Fibrinogen attaches to activated GPIIb/IIIa on platelets surface and acts as a bridge between them and thrombus formation, leading to vessel closure and MI [17]. Platelets are involved in the thrombotic occlusion of an epicardial coronary artery, due to eroded atherosclerotic plaque. They are responsible for microembolization by atherothrombotic platelet-rich aggregates formation. Going further, microembolization leads to decreased regional coronary blood flow and then transient myocardial ischemia [18]. Release of serotonin, TXA2, and free radicals by platelets in embolized vessels leads to vasoconstriction. Further roles of platelets in MI include enhanced intravasal thrombus formation in the microcirculation and mediation in inflammatory processes in the ischemic myocardium [18]. Besides the detrimental role of platelets in MI, the release of platelets content has been shown to have beneficial effects on the integrity of the coronary endothelium [19].

Inhibition of GPVI receptor was shown to be protective. Using anti-GPVI antibody (anti-GPVI JAQ1), Pachel et al. [20] achieved a significant reduction in INF/AAR (infarct size per area at risk) after 30 minutes of ischemia and 24 hours of reperfusion, increase in myocardial microperfusion after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), and reduction in the number of neutrophils in the myocardium. Anti-GPVI JAQ1 antibody, which induces irreversible downregulation of the GPVI receptor on the circulating platelets surface, leads to irreversible depletion of GPVI and abnormal cell response for collagen. It has been proposed that the anti-GPVI JAQ1 may become an alternative to Revacept, an anticoagulant drug that is a GPVI-Fc dimeric fusion protein consisting of the extracellular platelet GPVI domain for collagen and the human Fc fragment. Anti-GPVI JAQ1 reduced platelet adhesion and aggregation mediated by collagen at the site of vascular damage. As a consequence, it reduced the infarct size [21, 22]. Using different GPVI antibodies (OM2), the reduction of infarct size in macaque monkey hearts has also been obtained [23].

2.1. Role of Platelets in IRI Ends Deleterious Effect of Platelets

The standard treatment for myocardial ischemia is revascularization and restoration of blood flow. Paradoxically, the restoration of blood flow to the previously ischemic myocardium may cause further tissue damage, called IRI [24]. The pathophysiology of IRI involves the ion accumulation, dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential, formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), disruption of nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, platelets activation, microembolization, immune activation, apoptosis, and autophagy [25]. The platelets get activated at an early stage of reperfusion, and then, platelets’ accumulation occurs within the ischemic myocardium [26]. Platelets are involved in the pathology of IRI by several mechanisms. These mechanisms include platelets aggregation and microthrombi formation, platelet-leukocyte aggregation, release of exosomes and vasoconstrictors, PMVs and apoptotic body formation, and spinal afferent nerve activation [27]. Platelets aggregation and formation of microthrombi in small cardiac vessels and capillaries exert cardiac tissue damage [27]. It is known that platelets activation lead to release of granules content [28]. The platelet degranulation may lead to platelet-leukocyte and platelet-endothelium interactions and then development of an inflammatory response. Formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates is mediated by interaction of P-selectin with P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) and platelet integrins with leukocyte macrophage-1 antigen (MAC-1), discussed in detail later [29]. Platelet-leukocyte aggregates promote further leukocytes infiltration into the I/R tissue [27]. There are several reports showing that reduction of platelet-neutrophils interactions may have a protective effect during IRI [30]. Recent studies have shown that platelet-derived serotonin enhanced inflammation in myocardial IRI due to induced neutrophils degranulation. The authors concluded that serotonin serves as a potent therapeutic target in neutrophil-dependent thromboinflammation during myocardial IRI [31]. Moreover, microvesicles (MVs), apoptotic bodies, and exosomes have the potential to enhance inflammation within the I/R myocardium. Release of TXA2, by activated platelets, also leads to endothelial dysfunction [27].

Role of platelets in the pathogenesis of IRI has also been associated with generation of ROS. In the studies of guinea pig hearts exposed to I/R, administration of activated platelets at early stage of reperfusion led to reduction of recovery of external heart work (REHW). Cardiodepressive effect of platelets was mediated by ROS released from platelets [32]. Detrimental effects of activated platelets on left ventricular (LV) function following cardiac IRI have been shown [33]. Alternatively, Muessig et al. demonstrated the protective effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on LV recovery and function after IRI [34].

Mirabet et al. showed that different effects of platelets during I/R depend on the platelets activation status. They showed that transient coronary occlusion caused increased platelet accumulation and activation and further myocardial damage, since platelets obtained 10 minutes after reperfusion increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from isolated hearts subjected to I/R [33]. Fucoidan, a selectin blocker, has been shown to reduce myocardial necrosis after reperfusion in pigs and protect isolated I/R rat hearts in the presence of platelets. The authors suggested that selectin is involved in platelet deposition in reperfused cardiac microvessels [30]. Activated platelets obtained from patients with acute MI (AMI) increased myocardial injury in isolated rat hearts subjected to I/R, compared with platelets from control donors. This effect was attenuated by inhibition of P2Y12 and GPIIb/IIIa [35]. Recently, Targ-CD39 (fusion protein that specifically binds to GPIIb/IIIa) was shown to reduce infarct size and increase neovascularization in I/R mouse model. Targ-CD39 prevented thrombus formation and vessel occlusion. The authors suggested that Targ-CD39 has the potential to attenuate microthrombi formation in small cardiac vessels and capillaries after reperfusion. This indicates the participation of GPIIb/IIIa in these pathological processes [36]. In addition to platelet membrane proteins, such as GPVI, P2Y12 receptor, GPIIb/IIIa, and P-selectin, mediators released from platelets may also reinforce the negative effects in MI hearts. This includes ROS, serotonin, and high quantities of platelet activating factor (PAF) (discussed in detail later) [28].

2.2. Platelets Trigger Inflammation

In MI, platelets play a role in initiating and modulating the inflammation due to the presence of adhesive molecules and receptors on their surface and the release of their immunomodulatory content [37]. The most important selectin, involved in inflammation, is P-selectin. When expressed on activated platelets surfaces, P-selectin is involved in direct platelet-neutrophil interactions [38]. The binding of P-selectin to the PSGL-1 neutrophil receptor is necessary to initiate interactions between platelets and neutrophils and the formation of platelet-neutrophil aggregates [29]. Alternatively, platelet-neutrophil aggregates were shown to exert protective effect in resolution of inflammation in the IRI [39, 40]. Several animal studies have shown a positive effect of P-selectin blocking in the development of cardiac IRI, manifested as less neutrophils infiltration or decreased platelets adhesion to neutrophils in the infarcted region [41, 42]. The surface adhesion molecules of platelets taking part in the immune response are mainly integrins, selectins, and adhesive molecules like platelets endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) [43–45]. Meta-analysis provided by Sahebkar et al. suggested a protective role of the rare homozygous genotype of the rs1131012 single nucleotide polymorphism in the PECAM-1 gene against MI [46]. Integrins αIIbβ3 and α2β1 take part in the aforementioned interaction of platelets with the intracellular matrix, endothelium, and leukocytes [47]. Another function of integrins is the ability to trigger outside-in signaling, which may result in activation and degranulation of platelets [48]. Activated neutrophil integrin αMβ2 (MAC-1) binds with platelets directly by GPIbα and indirectly by integrin αIIbβ3, through a “bridge” of fibrinogen. This enhances the interaction of platelets and neutrophils by stabilizing the platelets to neutrophils adhesion [49, 50]. Recently, new surface receptor of platelets CD147 was investigated as a binding partner for neutrophils MAC-1, in platelet-neutrophil adhesion, but the mechanism of this interaction is still unknown [51]. Platelet-neutrophil adhesion molecules are summarized in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Overview of the most important platelets selectins and integrins related to platelets and neutrophils adhesion in MI. PSGL-1 receptor binding is the first interaction between platelets and neutrophils. This interaction is stabilized by secondary adhesion interactions including directly binding GPIbα and indirectly binding αIIbβ3 of platelets with αMβ2 of neutrophils. The importance of interactions of ICAM-2 with αLβ2 and CD147 with αMβ2 in platelet-neutrophil adhesion is still poorly understood. PSGL1: P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1; ICAM2: intercellular adhesion molecule; MI: myocardial infarction. The server https://smart.servier.com was used to create a figure.

Simultaneous perfusion with platelets and neutrophils has been shown to exacerbate cardiac contractile dysfunction in isolated heart model of IRI [52]. Alternatively, Seligman et al. showed that platelets and neutrophils coinfused in guinea pig hearts exposed to low-flow ischemia have no additive cardiodepressive effect than infused separately [53].

The dynamic reorganization of neutrophils domains and receptors provides interaction with activated platelets at early stages of inflammation [38]. During platelet-neutrophil interactions maresin 1 (MaR1), one of the proresolving mediators is amplified. MaR1 biosynthesis can be observed primarily in leukocytes but low amounts of MaR1 can also be produced in platelets [54]. MaR1 regulates platelet hemostatic functions and inflammation. MaR1 have also been shown to be organ protective in the model of acute lung injury [54, 55].

Platelets also enhanced chemotaxis of other inflammatory cells to the site of tissue damage, through platelet content secreted during activation and adhesion of platelets to the damaged vascular endothelium [56]. Moreover, PMVs, discussed in detail later, constituent the source of AA and induce monocytes adhesion to vascular endothelial cells [57].

2.3. Cardioprotective Effect of Platelets

2.3.1. Direct Cardioprotective Effect of Platelets

Platelets have been shown to be involved in the regeneration of the heart muscle after MI. Platelets contain, and through the activation release, CXCL12 (stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α)). CXCL12 is a chemokine capable to initiate the progenitor cells migration to the site of damage leading to organs and tissues repair. CXCL12 recruits CD34+ cells and affects their proliferation and differentiation into different cell types, such as macrophages, foam cells, and endothelial cells [58, 59]. Increased platelet CXCL12 expression in MI patients has been shown to be associated with improved heart function and reduced infarct size [60]. The highest expression of SDF-1α was observed in the peri-infarction zone [61]. In patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD), expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) on the platelet surface correlated with the expression of SDF-1α and SDF-1α receptors: CXCR4 and CXCR7. TGF-β1 expression increased significantly after platelet stimulation with recombinant SDF-1α in vitro [62]. TGF-β1 is released from platelets during activation. It is involved in the suppression of inflammatory response [63], heart repair, and remodeling [64]. Higher TGF-β1 expression on platelet surface was observed in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), compared with patients with stable CAD. In addition, low TGF-β1 platelets expression was associated with increased mortality and incidence of ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) [65].

Studies on isolated rat hearts showed that platelets reduced the heart dysfunction due to I/R. The protective effect of platelets was evident in the presence of a much lower platelet count (10⁵ cells/mL) than that found in the physiological conditions (5-10 × 10⁸ cells/mL) in rats. A conclusion has been drawn that platelets have a strong protective potential to cardiomyocytes against ischemia [4]. The protective effect of platelets on the heart subjected to IRI is attributed to molecules released from the platelets during activation and aggregation. Many studies have shown that the supernatant formed after platelet aggregation, infused into rat hearts, has cardioprotective properties. The cardioprotective effect of platelets is mainly attributed to the release of adenine nucleotides, TXA2, and serotonin, which induce the release of endothelial NO that exerts a cardioprotective effect [6, 66, 67]. The protective effect of platelets is partially attributed to the substances released from the alpha granules, since the cardioprotective effect of platelets is present regardless of the contribution of dense platelet granules [66]. TGF-β1, released from the alpha granules, showed a protective effect on the rat myocardium and reduced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes due to hypoxia and reoxygenation [5, 68]. In addition, SDF1-α, released from the alpha granules, showed a cardioprotective effect, resulting in the delay of cardiomyocytes death [66]. Receptors for both TGF and SDF, TGFβR1 and CXCR4, respectively, are found on cardiomyocytes [69, 70]. TGF-β1 and SDF1-α initiate protein kinase C (PKC) signaling in cardiomyocytes as a prosurvival mechanism during ischemia (Figure 2) [66].

Figure 2: Cardioprotective role of platelets in ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). S1P can exert cardioprotection by activating RISK and SAFE-pathway, including activating kinases PI3 K, PKC, ERK-1/2, and Stat3, respectively. Moreover, S1P triggers cardioprotection by activation of Pak1/Akt/NOS3 signaling. Cardioprotective effect for TGF-β1 and SDF1-α is based on PKC signaling activation. PAF and PMVs have a dual effect on cardiac IRI. In the case of PAF, this effect depends on the level of PAF. RISK: reperfusion injury salvage kinases, SAFE: survivor activating factor enhancement, Akt: protein kinase B, ERK: extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Pak1: P21-activated kinase; PKC: protein kinase C, PI3 K: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Stat3: signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase, NHE1: Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform 1, S1P: sphinosine-1-phosphate, SDF-1α: stromal cell derived factor-1 alpha, TGF-β1: transforming growth factor beta 1. The blue arrows indicate activation of the signaling path shown. The server https://smart.servier.com was used to create a figure.

A cardioprotective effect on the heart in MI has also been demonstrated for sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Platelets contain sphingosine kinase, which converts membrane sphingosine into S1P. S1P is stored in platelets and released in large amounts during platelet activation, thrombus formation, and inflammatory processes, including MI [71]. S1P contributes to regular thrombopoiesis by acting on megakaryocytes, while the effect of S1P on platelets may be manifested by both pro- and antiaggregatory effects through G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) [72, 73]. In the studies on isolated cardiomyocytes and perfused rats hearts ex vivo, the cardioprotective effect of S1P has also been demonstrated [74, 75]. An increase in cardiomyocytes viability under hypoxic conditions and a reduction in heart infarct size after I/R were observed. S1P also mediated in the beneficial effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and postconditioning of hearts undergoing I/R [76, 77]. There are three receptors for S1P in the heart: S1P1, S1P2, and S1P3. However, it is postulated that S1P reduces damage during I/R by stimulation of S1P2 and S1P3 with G-protein coupled receptors, which leads to the activation of protein kinase B (Akt), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) kinases, reperfusion injury salvage kinases (RISK), and survivor activating factor enhancement (SAFE) pathway [76, 78]. Likewise, activation of P21-activated kinase (Pak1)/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling through S1P triggers cardioprotection (Figure 2) [79]. S1P and platelets have been shown to be essential factors in cangrelor-induced cardioprotection, one of the inhibitors of the P2Y12 receptor [80].

Cardioprotection of platelet S1P is mediated by activation of RISK pathway (PI3 K, ERK-1/2, and PKC) [81]. In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hyperreactivity of platelets was observed. This hyperreactivity was associated with prothrombotic state [81, 82]. T2DM platelets released less S1P than platelets from healthy participants. The authors suggested that the altered redox conditions of diabetes platelets dysregulated S1P release and abolished cardioprotection mediated by RISK pathway [81].

2.3.2. Indirect Cardioprotective Effect of Platelets

PAF is a phosphoglyceride, produced by platelets, leukocytes, and endothelium cells [83, 84]. PAF, as a paracrine and autocrine mediator, can act on a variety of cell types including cardiomyocytes, platelets, and endothelium cells. It acts through specific receptors (PAFRs) present on the surface of cardiomyocytes [85]. Depending on its concentration, PAF can induce different effects during cardiac IRI. Low levels of PAF (in pmol/L range) are not able to alter myocardial contractility; however, it can exert IPC-like cardioprotection by activating RISK signaling kinases, including PKC, Akt, and eNOS [85, 86]. Unfortunately, high doses of PAF (1-10 nmol/L) had a negative effect on the coronary and cardiac functions and exhibited a strong arrhythmogenic effect (Figure 2) [85]. The use of a PAF receptor antagonist prior to reperfusion can significantly reduce the infarct size, not only by direct inhibition of PAR receptor but also by an antiplatelet effect [87, 88]. High doses of PAF seem to have a direct cardiodepressive effect. PMVs, discussed in detail in next section, seem to have an indirect cardioprotective effect. Description of cardioprotection mediated by platelet agents is summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: Description of cardioprotection mediated by platelet agents.

Agent
Cardiomyocytes receptor
Model of IRI
Mechanism of cardioprotection
Proposed cardioprotection influence∗
Ref.

SDF1α
CXCR4, CXCR7
Mice ventricular cardiomyocytes
Activation of PKC signaling
Direct
[66]

TGF-β1
TGFβR1
Mice ventricular cardiomyocytes
Activation of PKC signaling
Direct
[66]

S1P
S1P1, S1P2,S1P3
Rat ventricular cardiomyocytes, mice hearts
Receptor (S1P2, S1P3) mediated Pak1/Akt/eNOS signaling activation RISK and SAFE pathway activation
Direct
[78, 79]

PAF∗∗
PAFRs
Rat hearts
PI3 K and PKC activation, similar to IPC
Indirect
[86]

PMVs
NI
Rat aortic ring model, rats hearts
Activation of RISK pathway
Indirect
[89]

∗Cardioprotection effect proposed by authors of this review. ∗∗Low levels (in pmol/L range). IRI: ischemia/reperfusion injury, RISK: reperfusion injury salvage kinases, SAFE: survivor activating factor enhancement, Akt: protein kinase B, Pak1: P21-activated kinase; PKC: protein kinase C, PI3 K: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase, S1P: sphinosine-1-phosphate, SDF-1α : stromal cell derived factor-1 alpha, TGF-β1: transforming growth factor beta 1, IPC: ischemia preconditioning, and NI: not identified.

Mitophagy has been described as one of the platelet-mediated cardioprotection mechanisms in IRI. Mitophagy is a form of autophagy involving the degradation of excessive or damaged mitochondria, as an early mitochondrial response to hypoxia [90]. Mitophagy not only regulates the quality and quantity of mitochondria but also affects the activation of platelets during cardiac IRI [91]. Platelet mitochondrial dysfunction leads to reduced ATP production, impaired calcium buffering, and generation of ROS [92]. As platelet activation is an energy-dependent process, fully functional mitochondria are required [93]. Thus, dysfunctional platelets’ mitochondria can inhibit platelets activation. Platelet mitophagy plays a dual role in cardiac IRI. In the early stages, only damaged platelet mitochondria are removed [91, 94]. Functional mitochondria enable the activation of platelets and their adherence to the site of injury and cause MI. In the later phase of I/R, when the oxygen level becomes low, hypoxic mitophagy results in a significant elimination of mitochondria (possibly also undamaged ones), resulting in decreased platelet activation. Under hypoxic conditions, FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC-1) and autophagy related 5- (ATG5-) dependent mitophagy are present, the effect of which is an intense degradation of platelet mitochondria [91]. Mitophagy prevents excessive platelet activation and myocardial injury through negative self-regulation mechanism. Thus, it may serve as a possible protective mechanism against IRI [91, 95]. Platelet mitophagy seems to be a key element in IPC. IPC activates FUNDC-1-mediated platelet mitophagy. This leads to extensive degradation of mitochondria, reduction of platelets activation, and, consequently, a reduction in the myocardial infarct size and maintenance of heart function [91]. The involvement of mitophagy in the activation of platelets and then in IRI may be an interesting subject of research, especially in searching for new molecules that can regulate mitophagy pathways. Melatonin has been proposed as a molecule important for platelet mitophagy in FUNDC-1-dependent pathway [96].

2.4. PMVs in Myocardial Infarction and Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous vesicles, which carry bioactive molecules. EVs are mainly divided into exosomes, MVs, and apoptotic bodies [97]. As a result of activation, platelets release PMVs, also known as microparticles. MVs are membrane fragments, 0.1 to 1.0 µm in diameter, released from many cells, such as platelets, endothelium cells [98], leukocytes [99], or erythrocytes [100], due to their activation or apoptosis. MVs carry proteins, messenger RNA (mRNAs), microRNA (miRNAs), and lipids [101]. MVs can both contribute to the formation of pathological conditions and be their effect [102]. MVs contain phospholipids and membrane fragments from the cell they originate, enabling differentiation between them by the origin. PMVs present surface proteins characteristic for the platelets, such as CD62P, CD63, and CD41. PMVs have prothrombotic properties, modulate intercellular interactions, and mediate inflammatory processes [103, 104]. In normal conditions, PMVs constitute the majority of MVs concentration. In ACS, including MI, PMV levels increase, although they appear to return to previous level at the disease stabilization [98]. Many studies support the use of PMVs as potential markers for MI and IRI in the future. Jung et al. showed that the level of circulating PMVs (CD31+/CD42+) correlates with the degree of ischemia and thrombosis in patients with STEMI [105]. Proteomic studies of MVs in STEMI patients established that, beside inflammation, PMVs are involved in excessive platelet aggregation, responsible for thrombosis [106]. PMVs were proposed as a marker of progressing thrombosis in STEMI patients. PMVs may have a role in the pathogenesis of microvascular obstruction [107]. Additionally, PMVs can potentially be used as biomarkers of increased risk of new cardiovascular events [108]. In addition, PMVs are involved in cardioprotective effect of remote ischemia preconditioning (RIPC) in cardiac IRI. MVs isolated from RIPC rats have been shown to reduce infarct area and ameliorate LV function in IRI rats [109]. Moreover, PMVs induce angiogenesis, and this effect is mediated by cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). PMVs have potential to contribute to revascularization after chronic ischemia, since injection of PMVs into the ischemic myocardium provoked increased number of functioning blood vessels by activation of VEGF-mediated RISK pathway [89]. Liu et al. showed protective role of circulating MVs derived from ischemic preconditioning (IPC-MVs) on myocardial IRI in rats. PMVs were increased in circulation of IPC rats. IPC-MVs were shown to alleviate damage of myocardium and restored cardiac function after IRI [110]. These effects were achieved through endoplasmic reticulum stress- (ERS-) dependent attenuation of cell death induced by ERS (inhibition of caspases 3 and 12) [110]. Additionally, in cardiovascular diseases such as ACS, heart failure, or MI, platelet activation leads to changes in their protein composition [111]. In cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory proteins like S100A8 were identified in platelets. Cheow et al. identified six upregulated proteins in plasma EVs of MI patients compared to patients with stable angina. Two of them, platelet glycoprotein Ib alpha chain and platelet basic protein, are related to the role of platelets in inflammation and in platelets activation pathway [112]. The platelet proteome may provide specific markers for cardiovascular diseases. However, exploring these proteins requires further research [113, 114].

2.5. EVs as Biomarkers of Comorbidities Associated with Myocardial Infarction and Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

EVs carry bioactive molecules, such as proteins, lipids, amino acids, mRNAs, and miRNAs. EVs cargo depends on many factors, including changes in the microenvironment such as oxygen content, inflammation, age, and gender [101, 115]. Going forward, risk factors and comorbidities associated with ischemic diseases, such as age, gender, and metabolic diseases, are linked with changes in circulating EVs; therefore, EVs can be useful biomarkers [116].

Several studies have shown that obesity affects the amount and composition of EVs [117–119]. Level of PMVs and endothelial MVs was elevated in obese woman compared with women of similar age with normal weight [117]. Increased level of PMVs was associated with excessive adipose tissue and metabolic state of adipocytes and platelets [115, 119]. Improvement in PMV levels has been reported in obese patients 12 months after gastrectomy or by caloric restriction and exercise [119, 120]. Rigamonti et al. showed reduced release of total EVs, including platelet EVs, 24 h after acute exercise. Additionally, higher postexercise release of platelet EVs was observed in females than in males [121]. Exercise, in turn, increased circulating EVs with a protective effect against IRI. Exercise-derived EVs protection was related with activation of ERK1/2 and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) signaling in cardiac IRI. Therefore, exercise-derived EVs may serve as potent therapy against cardiac IRI [115, 118]. Platelet EVs formed during heavy exercises stimulated human endothelial cells by enhancing angiogenesis and proliferation in vitro [122]. Penna et al. showed that the inflammatory microenvironment containing IL-3 prevents cardioprotection mediated by endothelial cell- (EC-) derived EVs by changing EVs cargo [123].

An increase in PMVs level was found in patients with hypertension. PMVs were correlated with the level of systolic and diastolic blood pressures [124]. Penna et al. suggested that sex-dependent hormonal modulations may affect changes in EVs in pathological conditions. Therefore, in the context of EV as new biomarkers of ischemia/reperfusion and comorbidities, further research needs to paid more attention to gender influence [115].

Increased levels of PMVs were also shown in metabolic syndrome [125]. MVs isolated from plasma of metabolic syndrome patients have been identified as carriers of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Since MIF is involved in the development of insulin resistance, associated with diabetes and obesity, and MV-associated MIF triggered rapid ERK1/2 activation in macrophages, the authors suggested that MIF pathway should be reconsidered in the context EV-associated form [126]. Hypercholesterolemia affected microRNA alterations in the rat myocardium, leading to subsequent dysfunction in the heart [127]. Transcriptome analysis may provide specific diagnostic markers of the heart affected by comorbidities [128].

Sabatier et al. showed elevated levels of PMVs in type 1 diabetic mellitus (T1DM) patients compared with age-matched control subjects. Moreover, in T1DM elevated EVs-associated procoagulant activity was correlated with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), suggesting that glucose imbalance and obesity may affect EVs cargo and biological effect of EVs [129]. In the study of children and adolescents with T1DM, Salem et al. showed increased levels of PMVs, especially in patients with microvascular complications. PMVs were related with obesity, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and microvascular complications in T1DM patients. The authors suggested that PMVs may serve as future markers of microvascular complications and subclinical atherosclerosis [130].

The increased PMVs concentration in patients with T2DM, compared with patients without diabetes, was independent of obesity. PMVs may contribute in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and T2DM, since increased concentration of PMVs, which expressed fibrinogen and tissue factor, in subjects with T2DM was reported [131]. Aspirin therapy inhibited vascular wall cell activation and EVs and PMVs shedding in TDM1 and TDM2 [132]. Davidson et al. demonstrated impaired cardioprotecion ability of exosomes due to diabetes. Additionally, exosomes from a nondiabetic rat were able to protect cardiomyocytes from a diabetic rat, by ERK1/2 and HSP27 signaling, indicating that exosomes do not lose their cargo and functions in hyperglycemic environment and may serve as a potential therapy in diabetes [133].

2.6. Platelet NLRP3 as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with ACS

NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3) inflammasome is one of the identified proinflammatory signaling pathways involved in cardiovascular disorders and comorbidities, for example, metabolic syndrome and obesity [134]. NLRP3 inflammasome is large multimeric protein complex, which interacts with an apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, activating caspase-1, which mediates the cleavage of inactive prointerleukin-1β and IL-18 into their active form [134]. NLRP3 inflamamsome may be involved in development of cardiovascular disorders associated with metabolic diseases. High-fat, high-fructose diet resulted in greater infarct size and lactic dehydrogenase release in mice hearts exposed to IRI compared with hearts of mice fed a standard diet. This diet induced abolished cardioprotection due to inhibition of protective signaling pathways: RISK/hypoxia inducible factor 2α was associated with overexpression of NLRP3 inflammasome [135]. In the study of T2DM rats, Birnbaum et al. showed adenosine-dependent additive cardioprotective effect of ticagrelor and rosuvastatin indicated as reduction of infarct size in cardiac IRI. Both ticagrelor and rosuvastatin reduced postinfarction activation of NLRP3 inflammasome [136]. Pharmacological inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome protected against IRI in rat hearts. This effect was linked with activation of RISK pathway and improvement in mitochondrial function [137].

NLRP3 regulates platelet spreading and clot retraction by a mechanism involving interleukin- (IL-) 1β. Qiao et al. suggested that NLRP3 plays a role in regulation of platelet function and thrombus formation, and new potential therapy strategies in treating inflammation-associated thrombosis may target NLRP3 or IL-1β [138]. Peng et al. showed higher expression of platelet NLPR3 in patients with ACS than in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP). Additionally, among all patients with ACS, the highest expression of platelet NLPR3 was observed in patients with STEMI. Expression of platelet NLPR3 correlated with Gensini score and Global Acute Coronary Event (GRACE) score. Going forward, platelet NLPR3 expression should be considered as a novel potential prognostic factor for patients with ACS after PCI as high expression of platelet NLRP3 resulted in poorer prognosis after PCI [139]. The study of isolated rat hearts revealed that ticagrelor conditioning attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome complex formation through platelets. Cardioprotection evoked activation of RISK pathway and limitation of I/R-induced oxidative stress [140].

2.7. Cardioprotective Properties of Antiplatelet Therapy

The use of antagonists of platelets molecules with cardiodepresive effect or blocking of specific receptors resulted in cardioprotection. As in the aforementioned case, the use of anti-GPVI antibodies caused the suppression of platelet response to collagen [20]. As previously described, during the IRI, large doses of PAF are released and can negatively affect coronary and heart function. However, the use of a PAF receptor antagonist, prior to reperfusion, in a sheep and rabbit model reduced the infarct area and reperfusion injury [87, 88]. Current platelet-related therapies to prevent IRI include the use of COX (aspirin), P2Y12 receptor (clopidogrel and ticagrelor), GPIIb/IIIa, GPVI, and GPIb and P-selectin inhibitors. Apart from an effective antiaggregatory effects and indirect protection of the heart against IRI, a direct cardioprotective effect of these drugs has been proven [141–143]. Aspirin has been shown to prevent MI and have an anti-inflammatory effect [141, 144]. Aspirin attenuated endothelial dysfunction and modulated acetylcholine-induced peripheral vasodilation in patients with atherosclerosis, possibly via inhibition of COX-dependent vasoconstrictors [145]. However, in rabbit model of myocardial I/R, aspirin blocked AA-induced platelet aggregation but did not affect infarction [146]. The cardioprotective role of P2Y12-inhibitors, including clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, against IRI has been reported [146–149]. The protective effect of these drugs was initially associated only with the antiaggregatory effects. However, Yang et al. showed that cangrelor and clopidogrel protected hearts against infarction in rabbit model of myocardial I/R. This protective effect was independent of its antiaggregatory properties. The authors suggested that the protective effect of cangrelor was based on the same mechanism as ischemic postconditioning (IPOC). Individual blocking signaling elements, including adenosine A2B receptors, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Akt, redox signaling, or mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, disrupted the protective effect of cangrelor [146]. A retrospective analysis by Rouille et al. showed a reduction of infarct size in patients with STEMI, as a result of direct clopidogrel effect [150]. The interaction of platelets with cangrelor seems to be necessary to trigger the cangrelor protective effect, since cangrelor did not reduce infarct size in thrombocytopenic rats subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia and subsequent two hours of reperfusion [80]. Penna et al. confirmed that interaction with platelets is necessary for the ticagrelor protection in rat hearts. Moreover, ticagrelor has the potential to induce the release of S1P and adenosine from platelets that trigger heart protection in vivo. S1P and adenosine were shown to reach the highest concentrations in rat hearts protected by ticagrelor. Both S1P and adenosine are involved in RISK pathway activation in the heart [140]. Additionally, ticagrelor was able to prevent endothelial cells against apoptosis due to hypoxia stress. The protective effect of ticagrelor was associated with the adenosine signaling pathway [151].

3. Conclusions

Although it is difficult to conclusively determine the effect of platelets on the heart in MI and IRI, there are growing lines of evidence that platelets molecules exert protective effect on the heart, triggering specific mechanisms of cardioprotection. Recently, the presented protective effects of cangrelor and ticagrelor, independent of the antiaggregatory effects, are strong evidence for the participation of platelets in the protection against cardiac IRI. Accurate investigation of the protective role of platelets in MI and IRI could lead to a more effective treatment. Additionally, the proposal to use PMVs as prognostic and predictive markers, and changes in platelets proteome may shed new light on the diagnostics of MI. Importantly, platelet exosomes may serve as useful biomarkers for MI in patients with comorbidities in the future. However, further research is needed to identify and determine the clinical utility of potential new platelet markers.

Data Availability

Data are obtained from the references cited in the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgments

This research was financially supported by the Ministry of Health subvention from the IT Simple System of Wroclaw Medical University (SUB.D011.21.092).

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