Exploring the Link Between Platelet Numbers and Vascular Homeostasis Across Early and Late Stages of Fibrosis in Hepatitis C.

In chronic HCV, progressive decline in platelets and growth factors with fibrosis and their associations suggest that platelets are an important source of circulating GFs and influence GF decline with fibrosis. Enhanced markers of vascular injury in patients with early fibrosis suggest an earlier onset of endothelial dysfunction preceding cirrhosis. Associations of VIMs with platelets suggest a critical link between platelets and vascular homeostasis. Circulating markers of vascular injury may not only have prognostic importance but emphasize the role of vascular dysfunction in liver disease pathogenesis (NCT00001971).