Omega-3 fatty acids modulate collagen signaling in human platelets

Abstract

SummaryDietary intake of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) results in cardioprotective benefits. However, the cellular and physiological basis for these benefits remains unclear. We hypothesized that EPA and DHA treatment would interfere with collagen-mediated platelet signaling. Thirty healthy volunteers received 28 days of 3.4 g/d EPA +DHA with and without a single dose of aspirin. Clinical hematologic parameters were then measured along with assays of collagen-stimulated platelet activation and protein phosphorylation. Omega-3 therapy led to a small but significant reduction in platelets (6.3%) and red blood cells (1.7%), but did not impair clinical time-to-closure assays. However, collagen-mediated platelet signaling events of integrin activation, α-granule secretion, and Phosphatidylserine exposure were all reduced by roughly 50% after omega-3 incorporation, and collagen-induced tyrosine phosphorylation was significantly impaired. The diminished platelet response to collagen may account for some of the cardioprotective benefits provided by DHA and EPA.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids do not influence the efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy in stable angina pectoris patients after percutaneous coronary intervention

“…The study of Larson et al [21] showed that omega-3 fatty acids in a daily dose of 3.4 g may modulate collagen signaling in human platelets. Our observations did not reveal any difference in COL test results after the administration of 1.0 g N-3 PUFA.…”

Early Impact of Prescription Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Platelet Biomarkers in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Hypertriglyceridemia

“…This may explain very mild changes (if any) of several platelet biomarkers observed in our study. Finally, a recent elegant study [31] suggested that 28 days of PO-3A therapy was associated with a moderate reduction of collagen-mediated platelet signaling. Importantly, PO-3A had no impact on PFA-100 readings when an ADP/Collagen cartridge was used, but decreased platelet expression of GP IIb/IIIa, and P-selectin significantly [31].…”

“…Finally, a recent elegant study [31] suggested that 28 days of PO-3A therapy was associated with a moderate reduction of collagen-mediated platelet signaling. Importantly, PO-3A had no impact on PFA-100 readings when an ADP/Collagen cartridge was used, but decreased platelet expression of GP IIb/IIIa, and P-selectin significantly [31]. These changes were identical to our data, and suggest that platelet inhibition is a ‘real deal’ rather than a laboratory artefact.…”

The Fish Oil Story – Back to Greenland?

“…Recent data suggest that antiplatelet properties of omega-3 PUFA as monotherapy are negligible, but become apparent when they are used in combination with other antiplatelet agents [6][7][8] . It has been shown that omega-3 PUFA facilitate aspirin-induced platelet inhibition both in healthy volunteers [7] and CAD patients [6] .…”

“…It has been shown that omega-3 PUFA facilitate aspirin-induced platelet inhibition both in healthy volunteers [7] and CAD patients [6] . It has also been demonstrated that the addition of omega-3 ethyl esters to the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel significantly potentiates platelet response to clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention in optimally medically treated patients [8] .…”