Platelet morphological, functional and rheological properties attributable to addictions

Abstract

Hemorheological abnormalities such as elevated whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte deformability and platelet aggregation, hematocrit and fibrinogen levels, are frequently examined as diagnostic tool and prognostic relevance in socially important hemorheological disorders. Distinct biological -morphological and functional platelet alterations, have been described in different addictions (heroin-, cocaine-, nicotine-, alcohol-, etc.). Chronic addictions could cause biochemical and conformational changes in platelets and their membranes, thus modulating platelet receptor expression, morphology (anisocytosis, giant platelets) and activation (alpha-granule release), platelet aggregation and hemorheological properties. Some of these alterations in chronic addicts -documented at cellular-and molecular level, could be easily used as a precise diagnostic tool with regard to thromboembolic complications and microcirulation injuries attributable to addictions. The present review focuses on some changes in platelet morphological, functional and rheological properties induced by chronic opiate/opioid abuse. Hypothesis is accumulated that free fatty acids (FFAs) and especially oleic acid (OA) could cause positive molecular and conformational changes in platelets of addicts with hemorheological disorders.

Is There a Relationship Between Heroin Dependence and Anemia?

“…27 Previous studies have shown that opioid addicts cause thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis, and morphologic and functional changes in platelets. 10,11 However, in many studies investigating heroin addicts, although PLT count was found to be low compared with the control group, no statistically significant difference was reported. In our present study, PLT count was found to be lower than the control group and did not differ significantly.…”

“…Opioid addiction is known to cause social and forensic problems as well as neuropsychiatric disorders, infectious diseases (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, hepatitis B and hepatitis C), gastrointestinal diseases (stomach ulcers), cardiological diseases (arrhythmias and endocarditis), and a number of hematological changes (thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis and anemia) 6–9. Studies have shown that chronic opioid use causes thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis, and morphologic changes in platelets such as degranulation, anisocytosis and cytoplasmic vacuolization 10,11. In addition, in vivo studies have been found that morphine activates platelet aggregation through α2-adrenoreceptor in platelets 12.…”

“…[6][7][8][9] Studies have shown that chronic opioid use causes thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis, and morphologic changes in platelets such as degranulation, anisocytosis and cytoplasmic vacuolization. 10,11 In addition, in vivo studies have been found that morphine activates platelet aggregation through α2-adrenoreceptor in platelets. 12 Again, in vivo studies have shown that opioids indirectly reduce the activity and lymphocyte proliferation of natural killer cells and suppress inflammatory cytokines.…”

Global trends and hotspots in the application of platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis: A bibliometric analysis from 2008 to 2022

“…For example, alcohol, smoking, and drugs can increase whole blood viscosity, red blood cell deformation, platelet aggregation, and alter hematocrit and fibrinogen levels. [79] The patient needs to develop a functional exercise program to execute well as an adjunct to treatment. Although patients have poor medical compliance with functional exercise, it has effectively reduced pain.…”

Effect of chronic opioid use on the hematological and inflammatory markers: A retrospective study from North India

“…[ 26 ] Chronic drug use including opioid dependence may cause damage to platelets causing distinct morphological changes in platelets including reduction in number. [ 27 ] Thrombocytopenia is known to occur among active heroin users. [ 28 ] Previous studies have found a reduction in the platelets with longer duration of opioid use.…”