Crosstalk of platelets with macrophages and fibroblasts aggravates inflammation, aortic wall stiffening, and osteopontin release in abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abstract

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a highly lethal disease with progressive dilatation of the abdominal aorta accompanied by degradation and remodelling of the vessel wall due to chronic inflammation. Platelets play an important role in cardiovascular diseases but their role in AAA is poorly understood. The present study revealed that platelets play a crucial role in promoting AAA through modulation of inflammation and degradation of the ECM. They are responsible for the up-regulation of SPP1 (osteopontin, OPN) gene expression in macrophages and aortic tissue, which triggers inflammation and remodeling but also platelet adhesion and migration into the abdominal aortic wall and the intraluminal thrombus (ILT). Further, enhanced platelet activation and pro-coagulant activity results in elevated gene expression of various cytokines, Mmp9 and Col1a1 in macrophages and Il-6 and Mmp9 in fibroblasts. Enhanced platelet activation and pro-coagulant activity was also detected in AAA patients. Further, we detected platelets and OPN in the vessel wall and in the ILT of patients who underwent open repair of AAA. Platelet depletion in experimental murine AAA reduced inflammation and ECM remodeling, with reduced elastin fragmentation and aortic diameter expansion. Of note, OPN co-localized with platelets, suggesting a potential role of OPN for the recruitment of platelets into the ILT and the aortic wall. In conclusion, our data strongly supports the potential relevance of anti-platelet therapy to reduce AAA progression and rupture in AAA patients. Translational perspectiveAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe cardiovascular disease (CVD) with high mortality. Since the role of platelets is unclear, we explored platelet-mediated processes in the pathogenesis of AAA. Results from platelet depleted mice and patients with AAA revealed that platelets modulate inflammatory and stiffness-related gene expression of macrophages and fibroblasts. Further, platelets induce the release of osteopontin important for the recruitment of platelets to the aortic wall and to the intraluminal thrombus (ILT). Consequently, platelet depletion significantly reduced aneurysm growth. Thus, therapeutic targeting of platelet activation might be crucial for the treatment of patients to reduce AAA formation and progression.