The Inter-Relationship of Platelets with Interleukin-1 beta-Mediated Inflammation in Humans

Background Inflammation and coagulation are key processes in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The Canakinumab Anti-inflammatory Thrombosis Outcome Study trial affirmed the importance of inflammation in CVD by showing that inhibition of the interleukin (IL)-1 beta pathway prevents recurrent CVD. A bi-directional relationship exists between inflammation and coagulation, but the precise interaction of platelets and IL-1 beta-mediated inflammation is incompletely understood. We aimed to determine the inter-relationship between platelets and inflammation-and especially IL-1 beta-in a cohort of healthy volunteers. Methods We used data from the 500-Human Functional Genomics cohort, which consists of approximately 500 Caucasian, healthy individuals. We determined associations of plasma levels of IL-1 beta and other inflammatory proteins with platelet number and reactivity, the association of platelet reactivity with ex vivo cytokine production as well as the impact of genetic variations through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Results Platelets were associated with IL-1 beta on different levels. First, platelet number was positively associated with plasma IL-1 beta concentrations (p = 8.9 x 10(-9)) and inversely with concentrations of alpha-1-anti-trypsin (p = 1.04 x 10(-18)), which is a known antagonist of IL-1 beta. Second, platelet degranulation capacity, as determined by agonist-induced P-selectin expression, was associated with ex vivo IL-1 beta and IL-6 production. Third, several platelet single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with cytokine production and there was a significant platelet SNP enrichment in specific biological important pathways. Finally, platelet SNPs were enriched among SNPs earlier identified in GWAS studies in blood-related diseases and immune-mediated diseases. Conclusion This comprehensive assessment of factors associated with platelet number and reactivity reinforces the important inter-relationship of platelets and IL-1 beta-mediated inflammation.