Platelets are the smallest anucleated cells, in the circulation. Platelets are produced from the megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Platelets participates in maintaining vascular integrity and hemostasis. However, their role extends beyond hemostasis to thrombosis, inflammation, immunity, wound healing, cancer, and angiogenesis. The multifunctional roles of platelets are achieved through the expression of diverse adhesive and immune receptors, a wide array of bioactive proteins stored in their granules, and the elaboration of membrane lipid mediators upon activation. There is an obvious involvement of platelets in inflammation, immunity, cancer, and angiogenesis. Thus, the concept arises that platelets, at the intersection of these conditions, are multifunctional cells. A better understanding of the exact, as well as the diverse roles and mechanisms of platelets in pathologic conditions is a promising research area and may open a window for new strategies and prevention methods of diseases.
Key words: Platelets, hemostasis, thrombosis, angiogenesis, immunity, inflammation, cancer
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