Sex-Related Differences in Platelet Aggregation: A Literature Review Supplemented with Local Data from a Group of Generally Healthy Individuals.

The process of platelet aggregation is often influenced by several factors including sex and age. A literature review confirmed the existence of sex-related differences in platelet aggregation. Although 68 out of 78 papers found such differences, there are still some controversies regarding these differences, which can be due to multiple factors (age, trigger, concomitant disease, sample handling, etc.). These outcomes are discussed in line with novel results obtained from a local study, in which blood samples from a total of 53 overall healthy women and men with ages ranging from 20 to 66 years were collected. Aggregation was induced with seven different triggers (ristocetin, thrombin receptor activating peptide 6 [TRAP-6], arachidonic acid [AA], platelet-activating factor 16 [PAF-16], ADP, collagen, or thromboxane A2 analog U-46619) ex vivo. In addition, three FDA-approved antiplatelet drugs (vorapaxar, ticagrelor, or acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) were also tested. In general, women had higher aggregation responses to some agonists (ADP, TRAP), as well as lower benefit from inhibitors (ASA, vorapaxar). The aggregatory responses to AA and TRAP decreased with age in both sexes, while responses to ADP, U-46619, and PAF were affected by age only in women. In conclusion, more studies are needed to decipher the biological importance of sex-related differences in platelet aggregation in part to enable personalized antiplatelet treatment.

A case report of the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers using a sodium hyaluronate and iodine complex.

Diabetic foot ulcers are difficult to heal due to defects in local microvasculature and persistent, concomitant infection. Despite the best medical care, amputation is often a management option for this problem. The authors have developed a new and unique system for wound treatment, which is based on a combination of high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate with an iodine complex-Hyiodine (Contipro C, Dolní Dobrouc, Czech Republic). In this case report, the authors present an observational study on a series of patients with diabetic foot disease with nonhealing wounds treated with Hyiodine. The effect of the HA-iodine complex was studied on 18 patients suffering from complicated foot diabetic wounds. The HA-iodine complex was either spread directly over the wound, or more frequently, gauze was immersed in the HA-iodine complex and then put on/into the wound. Then several layers of dry gauze covered the wound. This dressing was changed every 24 hours. Wound healing was monitored daily, and wound pictures were taken each second week. Clinical improvement was observed in the majority. This suggests that the HA-iodine complex dressing has potential that needs to be developed from controlled studies.