This Week in Mac Sports: 9/15

Thrombocytopenia Directory

Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are cell fragments that help your blood clot. If you cut yourself, platelets stop blood loss by clumping together. A number of medical conditions can cause thrombocytopenia, including leukemia and immune system disorders. Low blood platelet count can also be a side effect of a medication. If you bleed easily and excessively, you may have thrombocytopenia. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about thrombocytopenia, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.

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Study Suggests The Right Dietary Fat Could Help Boost Platelet Counts

Aside from transfusions, there currently is no way to boost people's platelet counts, leaving them at risk for uncontrolled bleeding. Could something as simple as a dietary change raise platelet counts in people with low levels, such as cancer patients receiving chemotherapy?

New science out of the lab suggests that the answer might be yes. A study led by Kellie Machlus, Ph.D., and Maria Barrachina, Ph.D., in the Vascular Biology Program at Boston Children's Hospital, found they could raise platelet counts in mice by feeding them polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like those found in the Mediterranean diet.

In contrast, mice fed a diet high in saturated fatty acids had decreased platelet counts. Results were published online in July in Nature Cardiovascular Research.

"We were honestly surprised at how profound the effects were," says Machlus, whose lab focuses on studying platelets and their precursor cells, megakaryocytes, and ways to get the body to increase platelet production.

But equally interesting is the apparent reason for the dietary effect.

"What brought me to the idea of diet is that megakaryocytes make these long extensions from their membrane when they form platelets," Machlus says. "We thought the membrane must have an unusual composition to make it so fluid."

A fluid megakaryocyte membrane

No one had studied megakaryocyte membranes before, perhaps because megakaryocytes are in the bone marrow and hard to access. Machlus, Barrachina, and their colleagues decided to comprehensively assess the membranes' fat content with lipidomics—the first team ever to do so.

"We found that PUFAs are enriched in megakaryocytes, especially right before they begin making platelets," says Machlus. "We think they provide the fluidity necessary for the membrane to move and reshape."

In culture, the megakaryocytes with higher amounts of PUFAs in their membrane made more platelets. When the cells were instead supplied with saturated fats as their lipid source, platelet production declined. The same thing happened when the team added compounds to inhibit uptake of PUFAs from the blood.

The researchers also identified one of the receptors on megakaryocytes that's responsible for taking up PUFAs from blood: CD36. When they deleted the gene for CD36 in their mouse model, the animals had low platelet counts.

Serendipitously, the researchers were able to connect the dots to humans. Through a colleague in the U.K., they identified a family in which several members had a mutation in the CD36 gene. Those affected had low platelet counts and, in the mother's case, bleeding episodes.

An olive oil intervention?

Intrigued by their findings, Barrachina hopes to extend the study by collaborating with a team in her native Spain. The team is studying dietary interventions for cardiovascular disease, including the Mediterranean diet.

"We want to look at platelets from these patients," she says. She thinks that platelets with more saturated fatty acids in their membranes might be in a more activated state that could lead them to aggregate and form blood clots.

While Machlus thinks it may be worth encouraging patients with thrombocytopenia to consume more olive oil to increase PUFA levels, she recognizes that a drug treatment may be more practical.

"Our next steps are to find out the enzymes that create PUFAs," she says. "Maybe we can target them to make more platelets."

More information: Maria N. Barrachina et al, Efficient megakaryopoiesis and platelet production require phospholipid remodeling and PUFA uptake through CD36, Nature Cardiovascular Research (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s44161-023-00305-y

Citation: Study suggests the right dietary fat could help boost platelet counts (2023, August 23) retrieved 29 August 2023 from https://medicalxpress.Com/news/2023-08-dietary-fat-boost-platelet.Html

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9 Tips To Maintain Platelet Count Amid Dengue Surge

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can lead to a significant drop in platelet count, causing a potentially life-threatening condition known as dengue hemorrhagic fever. With dengue outbreaks being a recurring concern in many regions, it's essential to take proactive steps to maintain your platelet count and overall health during such surges. 

Here are some valuable tips to maintain your platelet count: 

1. Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is crucial to help maintain platelet count. Dengue can lead to fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea, which can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, and coconut water to stay hydrated.

2. Nutrient-Rich Diet

Consume a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support your immune system. Focus on foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, papaya, kiwi, and pomegranate, which can aid in platelet production and boost your overall health.

3. Papaya Leaf Extract

Some studies suggest that papaya leaf extract may help increase platelet count in dengue patients. Consult your healthcare provider before trying this remedy to ensure it's safe for you.

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4. Avoid Aspirin and NSAIDs

During a dengue infection, it's crucial to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding, which is a significant concern for dengue patients.

5. Rest and Monitor Symptoms

Adequate rest allows your body to recover and fight the virus effectively. Keep a close eye on your symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen, as early intervention is crucial in managing dengue.

6. Prevent Mosquito Bites

Since dengue is transmitted through mosquito bites, take measures to protect yourself. Use mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use mosquito nets or screens to keep mosquitoes at bay.

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7. Consult a Healthcare Professional

If you suspect you have dengue or are diagnosed with it, consult a healthcare professional immediately. They can monitor your condition, provide necessary treatments, and offer guidance on maintaining your platelet count.

8. Platelet Transfusions

In severe cases, where platelet count drops dangerously low, platelet transfusions may be necessary. These should only be administered under medical supervision.

9. Prevent Dengue Breeding Sites

Play an active role in preventing the spread of dengue by eliminating mosquito breeding sites around your home. Empty containers that collect water, clean gutters, and use larvicides if needed.

Remember that platelet count is just one aspect of managing dengue fever. Early detection, supportive care, and medical attention are vital in ensuring a full recovery. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can help protect yourself and your community during dengue outbreaks.

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