β-Thromboglobulin (β-TG), or beta-thromboglobulin, is a chemokine protein secreted by platelets.[1][2] It is a type of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7.[3] Along with platelet factor 4 (PF4), β-TG is one of the best-characterized platelet-specific proteins.[4] β-TG and PF4 are stored in platelet alpha granules and are released during platelet activation.[1][4][5] As a result, they are useful markers of platelet activation.[1][4] β-TG also has multiple biological activities, for instance being involved in maturation of megakaryocytes.[6]
Biological actions
β-TG is a chemoattractant, strongly for fibroblasts and weakly for neutrophils. It is a stimulator of mitogenesis, extracellular matrix synthesis, glucose metabolism, and plasminogen activator synthesis in human fibroblasts.[5]
β-TG also affects megakaryocyte maturation, and thus helps in regulating platelet production.[5]
Clinical uses
Levels of β-TG is used to index platelet activation. It is measured by ELISA in blood plasma or urine, and often in conjunction with PF4.[5]
Influences
β-TG levels may increase with age.[7] It is elevated in diabetes mellitus.[8]
β-TG levels have been found to be increased by treatment with the synthetic estrogen ethinylestradiol, though were not significantly increased by the natural estrogen estradiol valerate.[9][10][11][12] Levels of β-TG have also been found to be increased or unchanged during normal pregnancy.[13]
References
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