Platelets arachidonic acid metabolism in patients with essential hypertension

Arachidonic acid's (AA) metabolites, eicosanoids, exert a tremendous influence on circulatory and vascular homeostasis, and in humans are generated by many organs and cell types. In this study we wanted to verify whether platelets AA metabolism play a significant role in pathogenesis of essential hypertension (EH). Participants were divided into the study (EH) and the control group. Plasma and urine concentrations of isoprostanes (8-iPF(2alpha)-III) and thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)) were determined using the ELISA method. The levels of 5- and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (HETE) acids, generated by platelets, were analysed using RP-HPLC. In a suspension of not stimulated and AA-stimulated platelets TxB(2) level was statistically lower in the study than in the control group (p < 0.0001 and 0.001 respectively). The concentration of 12-HETE was significantly elevated in EH patients compared to the control group; however, only in the non-stimulated conditions (p < 0.05). Plasma and urine F2-isoprostanes levels were significantly higher in hypertensive individuals than in the control group (p < 0.00002 and p < 0.01 respectively). Moreover, EH patients excreted more TxB(2) in urine than normotensive individuals (p < 0.05). Our results highlight the mutual connections between the platelets AA metabolism and indicate its possible role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension. Moreover, we hypothesize that platelets AA metabolism may exert a pro-atherosclerotic effect. Finally, we suggest the use of (5-HETE+12-HETE)/TxB(2) parameter in further studies.