Elevated platelet activation in patients with chronic urticaria: a comparison between aspirin-intolerant and aspirin-tolerant groups.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Platelets are actively involved in immune inflammatory processes that

release inflammatory mediators. Platelet activation has been reported in various

inflammatory diseases; however, few studies have described platelet involvement

in chronic urticaria (CU). OBJECTIVE: To investigate platelet-activation markers,

namely P2Y12 receptor and P-selectin expression, and soluble P-selectin level in

patients with aspirin-intolerant CU (AICU) and aspirin-tolerant CU (ATCU).

METHODS: Forty-eight patients with CU and 25 normal controls were enrolled in

this study. Aspirin intolerance in patients with CU was confirmed by an oral

provocation test. P2Y12 and P-selectin expressions on platelets were measured

using flow cytometry; soluble P-selectin level in plasma was measured by

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To study the functional effects of aspirin,

platelets were treated with aspirin (2 mmol/L) and the expressions of P2Y12 and

P-selectin were compared between the AICU and ATCU groups. RESULTS: The

expression of P2Y12 was significantly higher in patients with CU compared with

controls, whereas no significant difference was noted in the expression of

P-selectin level. The levels were not significantly different according to

urticaria symptom score, symptom control status, and aspirin intolerance. Soluble

P-selectin level was significantly higher in the AICU group than in the ATCU

group compared with controls. Aspirin did not significantly suppress P2Y12 and

P-selectin expressions on platelets in the AICU group, whereas significant

suppression was noted in the ATCU group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that

increased platelet activation contributes to skin inflammation in patients with

AICU and those with ATCU. The functional difference of platelets in response to

aspirin may contribute to persistent skin inflammation in patients with AICU.