METHODS AND MEANS FOR DETERMINING PLATELET FUNCTION AND DIAGNOSING PLATELET- RELATED AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS

摘要

The invention provides a method for diagnosing platelet (thrombocyte) function comprising the steps of (a) obtaining a blood platelet-containing sample from a subject, and (b) preferably keeping the sample under conditions capable of inhibiting plasmatic coagulation and/or fibrin formation, (c) bringing a marker of platelet function derived from the platelets, or a variant of such marker into solution, wherein at least steps b) and c) are carried out in a blood sampling device and/or wherein additionally the level of the marker of platelet function in the solution is measured. Preferably, the marker of platelet function is brought into solution by activating the platelets in vitro or by means of proteolysis. Preferred markers of platelet function include CD40L, sCD40L, P-selectin, soluble P-selectin, GP-IV, soluble GP-IV, GP-V, soluble GP-V, GP-VI, soluble GP-VI, CD63, platelet factor-4 (PF-4), β-Thromboglobulin (β-TG), or variants thereof. The method provides for diagnosis or determining of platelet hypo- or hyperfunction, cardiovascular disorders and any disorders associated with platelet hypo- or hyperfunction.