Knowingly, platelets can recognize bacteria and attract immune cells to inflammatory sites. Platelet receptors such as CD40, GPIb/IX/V, and selectins have all been implicated in perpetuation of atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and tumors. Platelets have also been linked to inflammation, atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and tumor immunology ( 1).
Nowadays, the biological functions of platelets are considered to be far beyond hemostasis and thrombosis. Approximately one trillion platelets circulate in blood to provide vascular regulation. Platelets are intriguing and complex cells. In this review, we focus the current applicability of MPV and IPF as biomarkers in patients with autoimmune diseases. For both MPV and IPF, standardization of cutoff is a major need. IPF is calculated by automated hematology analysis or flow cytometry, and it is usually high in patients with rapid platelet destruction. Another test, the immature platelet fraction (IPF) reflects the amount of young, reticulated platelets. Controversial results have been obtained in systemic and organ-specific autoimmune disorders. The test, a useful tool in differentiation of thrombocytopenic states, has now been carried out for autoimmune disorders, but data are yet scarce. Mean platelet volume (MPV), measured using automated blood analysers, has been appraised as a potential biomarker in cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. 3Nephrology Department, Saint Lucas Hospital, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.2Pathology Laboratory, Saint Lucas Hospital, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.1Rheumatology Department, Saint Lucas Hospital, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.Carlos Eduardo Poli de Figueiredo 3 and Henrique Luiz Staub 1
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