Summary

The release of microvesicles (‘platelet microparticles’, PMPs) byactivated platelets has been shown to be an integral part of thethrombotic process.PMPs are believed to mediate many biologicalprocesses as they possess various platelet membrane proteinsand bioactive lipids. Of note, there is a growing body of evidencethat PMPs are involved in all stages in the pathobiology of atherosclerosis. In addition to their role in thrombosis, PMPsmay also have a pro-inflammatory effect, which promotes thedevelopment of atherosclerosis. Also, bioactive lipids in PMPshave been shown to have important effects on angiogenesis.Thisreview summarises the various studies on the possible role ofPMPs in the progression of atherosclerosis.