The expression of hSR-B1 on platelets of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Introduction: The human scavenger receptor class B type 1 (hSR-B1), which serves as a high affinity receptor for HDL, is expressed on platelet surface and mediates various anti-atherogenic functions. Based on the anti-thrombotic effect of HDL and the importance of HDL-SR-B1 in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, the present study was aimed to investigate and compare the expression level of hSR-B1on platelets of CAD patients with that of normal controls.
Methods: The expression of the hSR-B1 on platelets of 31 CAD patients with atherosclerotic plaque and 20 healthy controls were detected using flowcytometry and western blotting. Moreover, platelet function in response to the agonists was examined by aggregometry, and the lipid panel tests were assayed using chemistry autoanalyzer.
Results: Our findings showed that the expression of hSR-B1 was significantly reduced on the surface of platelets from CAD patients with atherosclerotic disease, as compared with healthy controls (6/8% vs. 13/6%) (P < 0,001). Of particular of interest, we also found that the formation of aggregates after stimulation of the platelets with ADP was higher in patients with atherosclerotic disease than the controls; indicating an inverse relationship between hSR-B1 expression and the function of human platelets.
Conclusion: Taken together, the results of the present study raise the possibility that the measurement of hSR-B1 expression on human platelets may provide a valuable insight that reflects the status of RCT in patients with atherosclerosis.