Microparticles (MPs) are small vesicles released during cell activation or apoptosis. They participate in coagulation, inflammation, and vascular anomalies in a number of diseases. This work has successfully isolated and characterized circulating MPs in Crohn's disease patients. Their effects on the endothelial functions and vascular reactivity have been studied in mice.

It has thus been demonstrated that MPs from Crohn's disease patients have a harmful role in endothelial and vascular functions. These MPs may participate in the pathophysiology of these diseases by promoting the growth of vascularization-dependent intestinal lesions.