Research Bio
Platelets are anucleate cells released from megakaryocytes that circulate in the vascular system. Their importance and function in hemostasis is well known. Our (Drs. Neil Blumberg, Richard Phipps and myself) research interests lie in the emerging concept that platelets have a significant role in the mediation of inflammation and immunoregulation. Of particular interest is the nuclear hormone receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), part of a superfamily of ligand-activated receptors involved in transcriptional regulation of genes in energy metabolism and adipocyte differentiation. Several cell types including lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells express PPARgamma. Interestingly, our laboratory has recently demonstrated that human platelets also express PPARgamma and receptor binding of PPARgamma by PPARgamma agonists reduces platelet release of proinflammatory mediators. This is of major significance as platelet activation is linked to several diseases including atherosclerosis, insulin resistance in type II diabetes, and cancer. My goal is to understand the role of platelet PPARgamma in inflammation. This research is conducted in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Richard Phipps.
Platelet transfusion can cause a life-threatening inflammatory response. Upon activation, platelets undergo rapid morphological changes, and release bioactive mediators including chemokines, prostaglandins and growth factors that elicit a variety of responses. We will investigate the role of platelet-released proinflammatory mediators in transfusion-associated inflammation and multi-organ failure. Our goal is to develop a therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of inflammatory responses in patients transfused with platelets.
2013 Feb
Refaai MA, Carter J, Henrichs KF, Davidson DC, Pollock SJ, Casey AE, Spinelli SL, Phipps RP, Francis CW, Blumberg N. "Alterations of platelet function and clot formation kinetics after in vitro exposure to anti-A and -B." Transfusion. 2013 Feb 0; 53(2):382-93. Epub 2012 May 25. |
2013 Jan
Lannan KL, Sahler J, Spinelli SL, Phipps RP, Blumberg N. "Transfusion immunomodulation--the case for leukoreduced and (perhaps) washed transfusions." Blood cells, molecules & diseases. 2013 Jan 0; 50(1):61-8. Epub 2012 Sep 13. |
2012 Jun
Sahler J., Spinelli S., Phipps R., Blumberg N. "CD40 ligand (CD154) involvement in platelet transfusion reactions." Transfus Clin Biol.. 2012; 19(3): 98-103. |
2012 May
Cholette JM, Henrichs KF, Alfieris GM, Powers KS, Phipps R, Spinelli SL, Swartz M, Gensini F, Daugherty LE, Nazarian E, Rubenstein JS, Sweeney D, Eaton M, Lerner NB, Blumberg N. "Washing red blood cells and platelets transfused in cardiac surgery reduces postoperative inflammation and number of transfusions: results of a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial." Pediatric critical care medicine : a journal of the Society of
Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and
Critical Care Societies. 2012 May 0; 13(3):290-9. |
2011 Jul
Refaai MA, Fialkow LB, Heal JM, Henrichs KF, Spinelli SL, Phipps RP, Masel E, Smith BH, Corsetti JP, Francis CW, Bankey PE, Blumberg N. "An association of ABO non-identical platelet and cryoprecipitate transfusions with altered red cell transfusion needs in surgical patients." Vox sanguinis. 2011 Jul 0; 101(1):55-60. Epub 2011 Mar 18. |
