The study of CD36 expression on platelets in Thai blood donors using flow cytometry

Abstract

CD36 is expressed on the surface of various human cells, including megakaryocyte, platelets, monocytes, erythroblasts, endothelial cells and adipocytes. CD36 is clinically important with several disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. Antibody against CD36 can be the cause of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI). The aim of this study was to determine the CD36 expression on platelets and the frequency of CD36 deficiency in 200 Thais who live in the north-eastern part of Thailand by using flow cytometry. In this study, 195/200 subjects (97.5%) had CD36 expressed on platelets.The median fluorescent intensities (MFI) in this group were ranged from 4.41 to 44.90 and mean ± SD of MFI was 16.27 ± 8.44. CD36 type 2 deficiency (lacking CD36 expression on platelets) was 5/200 subjects (2.5%) and none of CD36 type 1 deficiency (lacking CD36 expression both on platelets and monocytes). In conclusion, the level of CD36 expression in this group showed high variability. Thus, the evaluation of gene expression level and epigenetic studies of CD36 in the population await further investigations. Finally, this study provide the baseline information of CD36 on platelets and monocytes which may be applied with associated diseases.