Effect of dietary protein level on platelet aggregation in rat

In order to investigate the effects of dietary protein level on the development of atherosclerosis and arterial thrombosis, studies were made on platelet function, plasma lipids and aortic prostaglandin I2 biosynthesis in rats. Under the same calorie intake, the group consuming a low level of protein (10% casein) increased plasma triglycerides and platelet aggregability in comparison with control (20% casein) and high protein groups (60% casein). Moreover, the low protein group produced more thromboxane A2 and less prostaglandin I2 compared with the high protein one. These data suggest that high protein diets may have beneficial effects on arterial thrombosis.