Microparticles: markers and mediators of sepsis-induced microvascular dysfunction, immunosuppression, and AKI

Kidney Int. 2015 Jun;87(6):1100-8. doi: 10.1038/ki.2015.26. Epub 2015 Feb 18.

Abstract

Sepsis is a severe and complex syndrome that lacks effective prevention or therapeutics. The effects of sepsis on the microvasculature have become an attractive area for possible new targets and therapeutics. Microparticles (MPs) are cell membrane-derived particles that can promote coagulation, inflammation, and angiogenesis, and they can participate in cell-to-cell communication. MPs retain cell membrane and cytoplasmic constituents of their parental cells, including two procoagulants: phosphatidylserine and tissue factor. We highlight the role of microparticles released by endothelial and circulating cells after sepsis-induced microvascular injury, and we discuss possible mechanisms by which microparticles can contribute to endothelial dysfunction, immunosuppression, and multiorgan dysfunction--including sepsis-AKI. Once viewed as cellular byproducts, microparticles are emerging as a new class of markers and mediators in the pathogenesis of sepsis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / blood*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / etiology
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / immunology
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / metabolism*
  • Endothelium / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Microvessels
  • Multiple Organ Failure / blood
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Sepsis / blood*
  • Sepsis / complications
  • Vascular Diseases / blood*
  • Vascular Diseases / etiology

Substances

  • Biomarkers