Leukocyte–platelet aggregates—a phenotypic characterization of different stages of peripheral arterial disease

The formation of monocyte-platelet aggregates and neutrophil-platelet aggregates (MPA and NPA, respectively) is influenced by inflammation, but also might contribute to an exacerbation of inflammatory responses in atherosclerotic plaque. The purpose of this study was to analyze MPA and NPA proportions in regard to different stages of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Forty-five patients with intermittent claudication (IC) (3 groups: Rutherford (R)-1, R-2, and R-3; each n = 15), 20 patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) (Rutherford 5 (40%) and 6 (60%)), and 20 healthy controls were studied. Analyses of monocyte (Mon) subpopulations (CD14++CD16- (classical) Mon1, CD14++CD16+ (intermediat…