Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells reduce platelet α-granule release in rats <i>via</i> the AKT/MEK/ERK pathway during acute exposure to high-altitude hypoxia

Acute exposure to high-altitude hypoxia increased platelet counts, altered platelet morphology, and increased α-granule density and release. These effects were mitigated by hUC-MSC treatment, mediated by the protein kinase B/mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-signal regulated kinase pathway. The results indicate that hUC-MSCs may represent a promising and effective approach for the prevention and treatment of acute high-altitude-associated thrombosis, providing an experimental foundation for the development of clinical applications.