Research progress of platelets in neurodegenerative diseases

TL;DR

This paper reviews how platelets are involved in neurodegenerative diseases and could offer new diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of platelet roles in NDDs and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Findings

Platelet activation is commonly observed in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Platelets share functional similarities with neurons, suggesting a biological link.

Platelets may serve as a novel therapeutic option for treating NDDs.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disease (NDD) is a disease state characterized by the loss of neuronal cells in the brain and spinal cord, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). They have become a major challenge for the world's health system in the twenty-first century, with an increasing incidence year by year, complex and diverse causes, and a lack of effective therapeutic. The brain and spinal cord are composed of neurons, and activated platelets are highly similar to neurons. The occurrence and development of these diseases are often accompanied by platelet activation, suggesting that platelets play an important role in the pathological process of NDDs. This article reviews the research progress of platelets in common NDDs, and elaborates on the mechanisms of platelets' involvement in NDDs and the use as a therapeutic option for NDDs to providing new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of NDDs.

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