Effects of Weight Loss with Bariatric Surgery on Platelet Count and Volume

Obesity is a chronic, metabolic disease associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and characterized by increased mortality and morbidity (1). Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of obesity-related cardiovascular diseases, and platelet activation and aggregation are important pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of cardiovascular disease (2, 3). Although the mean platelet volume (MPV) and number is an important determinant for platelet activation, it has been found to be associated with cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke and preeclampsia (4-6). Higher MPV in obese patients in comparison to healthy population is considered to be one of the mechanisms that explain the increase in cardiovascular risk in obese patients (7). However, there are a limited number of studies on the effect of weight loss on platelet count and especially on MPV in obese patients. Previous studies have indicated that weight loss through diet and exercise may be associated with MPV (8).