Platelets and their microparticles as key players in pathophysiological responses.

Platelets are known to play a central role in primary hemostasis as well as in the pathophysiology of thrombotic disorders. However, in addition to hemostasis, platelets are involved in a variety of pathophysiological responses including immune responses, inflammation, angiogenesis, tissue regeneration, and cancer metastasis. Recent studies revealed a significant role for platelet-derived microparticles (PMP), in these responses. PMP communicate with, and deliver signals to, other cells, induce signals, and change their phenotype during inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis. The current report describes the recent development in this field with a focus on the role of platelets and PMP in all of the above responses.