Endothelial microparticles in transplant patients - great potential but a long way to go.

This overview provides information on the current state of endothelial microparticle research. Microparticles are small membrane vesicles shed by different cell types, which contain cell surface proteins and cytoplasmic components of the original cell. The microparticle production is a part of normal cell function, but it increases by apoptotic cells and cells under stress. Numerous evidences suggest that circulating endothelial microparticles may be a marker of endothelial cell function. Endothelial cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of allograft dysfunction and rejection. The endothelium is one of the main targets in allograft rejection. Recent studies have indicated that levels of circulating endothelial microparticles change in patients with solid organ transplants, including kidneys. We believe that circulating endothelial microparticles may be a useful tool of allograft function monitoring and/or a diagnostic marker of allograft rejection.