N-3 fatty acid-induced lipid peroxidation in human platelets is prevented by catechins

The effects of catechins were studied in both unstimulated platelets and platelets submitted to a mild oxidative stress induced by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Human unstimulated platelets were incubated in the presence of catechin or epicatechin (1, 10 or 100 microM) for 2 h at 37 degrees C. Treatment by 1 microM epicatechin was sufficient to induce a significant inhibition (-30%) of basal thromboxane B2 formation. This result is consistent with the observed inhibitory effects of flavonoids on platelet aggregation. DHA treatment of platelets decreased the amount of alpha-tocopherol and increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. The presence of epicatechin or catechin prevented the oxidative stress induced by DHA. Indeed, the platelet alpha-tocopherol level was significantly increased when compared to that of platelets treated by DHA alone, to reach the control level, whereas MDA was depressed to a level even lower than the control one. Our results indicate that catechin and especially epicatechin protect platelets from a peroxidative stress.