The role of (E)-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in platelet activation by low density lipoprotein and iron

(E)-4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is a highly reactive product of the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) which increases the platelet aggregation response to various agonists. HNE formation was increased during the enhanced platelet aggregation to thrombin, ADP. A23187 and epinephrine in the presence of LDL. The increase in platelet aggregation and HNE formation by LDL was inhibited by superoxide dismutase and catalase, suggesting superoxide and hydrogen peroxide produced by platelets during aggregation may be at least partly responsible. The responsiveness of platelets to LDL and the accompanying HNE formation was increased further in the presence of ferrous ion. The effect of ferrous ion on both platelet responses and HNE formation was decreased by superoxide dismutase, catalase and the antioxidants dipyridamole and probucol implicating platelet-derived free radicals. Ferrous ion caused an increase in the release of arachidonic acid from platelet membrane phospholipids in the presence of LDL which was probably caused by increased HNE production. The results suggest iron could increase platelet reactivity at sites of vascular injury by increasing HNE formation and promote the development of atherosclerotic lesions.