Effect of natural polyphenols on thromboxane levels in children with Crohn's disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thromboxane levels and oxidative stress in children with Crohn´s disease (CD), and examine the effect of natural polyphenolic compounds on thromboxane levels.

This study involved 14 children suffering from CD and 15 healthy controls. Patients were receiving the polyphenolic extract Pycnogenol for 10 weeks. Plasma levels of the static and dynamic forms of thromboxane B2 as well as their metabolite 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 in urine were determined.

In comparison to controls, CD patients had significantly higher levels of the static and dynamic forms of thromboxane B2. Pycnogenol decreased the level of the dynamic form of thromboxane B2 after 10 weeks of administration.

Paediatric Crohn's disease is associated with higher thromboxane levels. Our results indicate that Pycnogenol administration reduces thromboxane levels, which may positively influence some clinical symptoms of CD such as thromboembolic episodes (Tab. 3, Ref. 49).