Flavonoids inhibit platelet function through binding to the thromboxane A2 receptor.
BACKGROUND
Dietary flavonoids are known for their antiplatelet activity resulting in cardiovascular protection, although the specific mechanisms by which this inhibition occurs has not been fully established.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of nine flavonoids representative of various chemical classes, with platelet responses dependent on thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) generation and on receptor antagonism, and to analyze the structural requirements for such effects.


METHODS
The effect of several types of flavonoids on platelet aggregation, serotonin release, and TxA(2) generation was investigated. Competitive radioligand binding assays were used to screen for affinity of these compounds to TxA(2) receptors.


RESULTS
Flavones (apigenin and luteolin) and isoflavones (genistein) abrogated arachidonic acid and collagen-induced platelet responses, such as aggregation and secretion, with a less substantial effect on TxA(2) synthesis. These compounds were identified as specific ligands of the TxA(2) receptor in the micromol L(-1) range, this effect accounting for antiplatelet effects related to stimulation with those agonists. Tight binding of flavonoids to the human TxA(2) receptor relies on structural features such as the presence of the double bond in C2-C3, and a keto group in C4.


CONCLUSIONS
The inhibition by specific flavonoids of in vitro platelet responses induced by collagen or arachidonic acid seems to be related, to a great extent, to their ability to compete for binding to the TxA(2) receptor. Therefore, antagonism of this TxA(2) receptor may represent an additional mechanism for the inhibitory effect of these compounds in platelet function.
Guerrero
J A
JA
Unit of Hematology and Clinical Oncology, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Spain.
Lozano
M L
ML
Castillo
J
J
Benavente-García
O
O
Vicente
V
V
Rivera
J
J
D047310:Apigenin / Q000494:pharmacology; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019833:Genistein / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D047311:Luteolin / Q000494:pharmacology; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects*; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry; D011485:Protein Binding; D044244:Receptors, Thromboxane A2, Prostaglandin H2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013928:Thromboxane A2 / Q000096:biosynthesis
D005419:Flavonoids; D008024:Ligands; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D044244:Receptors, Thromboxane A2, Prostaglandin H2; D012701:Serotonin; D013928:Thromboxane A2; D047310:Apigenin; D019833:Genistein; D047311:Luteolin