P-selectin-dependent platelet aggregation and apoptosis may explain the decrease in platelet count during Helicobacter pylori infection

Blood. 2010 May 27;115(21):4247-53. doi: 10.1182/blood-2009-09-241166. Epub 2010 Jan 22.

Abstract

P-selectin expression has been shown in Helicobacter pylori-infected persons, an infection that has been clinically associated with platelet-related diseases, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. However, the role of P-selectin expression during H pylori infection remains unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that P-selectin expression was associated with platelet aggregation during H pylori infection. Using flow cytometry, we examined the levels of adhesion between H pylori and platelets as well as the levels of P-selectin expression and platelet phosphatidylserine (PS) expression during H pylori infection. Significantly high levels of adhesion between pro-aggregatory bacteria and platelets were observed. We identified that H pylori IgG is required for bacteria to induce P-selectin expression and that a significant release of P-selectin is essential for H pylori to induce aggregation. In addition, cellular apoptotic signs, such as membrane blebbing, were observed in platelet aggregates. PS expression was also detected in platelets during infection with both pro-aggrogatory and nonaggregatory strains of H pylori. These results suggest that the decrease in platelet counts seen during H pylori infection is the result of P-selection-dependent platelet aggregation and PS expression induced by the bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Bacterial Adhesion / physiology
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Blood Platelets / microbiology
  • Blood Platelets / pathology*
  • Blood Platelets / ultrastructure
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cell Surface Extensions / ultrastructure
  • Helicobacter Infections / blood*
  • Helicobacter Infections / immunology
  • Helicobacter Infections / microbiology
  • Helicobacter pylori* / immunology
  • Helicobacter pylori* / pathogenicity
  • Helicobacter pylori* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • P-Selectin / blood*
  • Platelet Aggregation / physiology
  • Platelet Count
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / etiology
  • von Willebrand Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • P-Selectin
  • von Willebrand Factor