Membrane Potential Evaluation of Platelets from Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms and Thrombosis Patients

Patients with Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) are frequently found with thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications which are not always correlated with the number of circulating platelets (PLTs), but with alterations of the platelets’ features. The resting membrane potential (RMP) of PLTs is a parameter which reflects their energy level and activity of membrane ionic pumps and channels. In this article we present whether there are changes in platelets’ RMP in MPNs patients with or without chemotherapy treatment and thrombotic events. The study was conducted on 55 healthy volunteers, 139 MPN patients having or not thrombotic events and 13 patients with no MPN but presenting an active thrombotic event. Platelets RMP was assessed by fluorescence using a membrane dye sensitive to potential, DiSC3(5). Thrombotic events were correlated with hyperpolarized PLT membranes, regardless of the presence of MPN or the MPN subtype (Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, and Unclassifiable MPN). The MPNs patients also presented a hyperpolarized RMP. Chemotherapy (Imatinib, Ruxolitinib, Dasatinib, Anagrelide) was not associated with modifications of RMP. However, in the case of patients treated with Hydroxyurea, a depolarization of PLTs RMP was observed, even in the case of PLTs hyperpolarized within a thrombotic context. These findings highlight the complex interplay between MPNs, thrombosis, and chemotherapy on PLT physiology, providing insights into potential mechanisms underlying thrombotic complications in MPNs and informing treatment strategies targeting PLTs function.