Progranulin in patients with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an idiopathic, autoimmune disorder which is characterized by a low platelet count and an elevated risk of muco-cutaneous bleeding. ITP in adults is a common disorder which is assumed to be caused via auto-antibodies that target the platelets resulting in their early deatruction. The triggering incident of ITP is not completely identified but continued research is trying to present new insights on the underlying immunopathologic processes beside the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet turnover. Progranulin (PGRN) is evolving as an important immune mediator which is involved in many autoimmune disorders. So far, its role in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remains not totally cleared.