Antiplatelet agents in thrombosis and beyond

Details

Supervisors

Horman, Sandrine

Faculty

Faculté de pharmacie et des sciences biomédicales

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences pharmaceutiques, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Currently widely used in the context of arterial thrombosis, antiplatelet agents were one of the main drivers in post-acute coronary syndrome mortality reduction. However, their main side effect – the increase of bleeding risk, is strongly correlated with mortality. This thesis presents a short review of current and novel antiplatelet agents, targeting both extracellular receptors and intracellular messengers, developed with hopes of sufficient cardiovascular protection without causing bleeding in patients. As platelets have recently been dubbed key actors in other processes, understanding their function and dysfunction might lead to new indications for antiplatelet therapy. Their role in thrombo-inflammatory disorders and the rationale of using antiplatelet therapy to target atherosclerosis development and sepsis-induced organ failure and mortality will therefore be discussed. Additionally, platelet ability to contribute to fibrosis development by deposition of fibrotic molecules (TNF-β, serotonin, thromboxane) may also make them an interesting target in interstitial fibrosis. Since the only studies evaluating antiplatelet therapy in thrombo-inflammation and various organ fibrosis are cellular, animal and human observational studies, they will be considered as guidance for future research.