Aging-Associated Inflammation Due to Elevated Levels of TNF-alpha Increases Activation of the Integrin Alpha IIb Beta 3 and the Procoagulant Potential of Platelets

Background: Aging is an independent risk factor for thrombosis and the molecular mechanisms underpinning this higher thrombosis risk in aging remains largely unknown. Chronic inflammation due to elevated levels of TNF-α contributes to the pathobiology of aging. Nevertheless, whether increased TNF-α levels during aging alter platelet function to promote thrombosis remains unexamined.