MC-002 exhibits positive effects against platelets aggregation and endothelial dysfunction through thromboxane A2 inhibition

Introduction

Thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) induces platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction, and agents that inhibit TXA₂ production or interaction with receptors may exert potential application in stroke therapy.

Aim

To illustrate the platelet aggregation antagonistic and endothelial protective effect of (E) - 3 - (3 - methoxy - 4 - ((3, 5, 6 - trimethylpyrazin - 2 - yl) methoxy) phenyl) sodium acrylate (MC-002) through TXA₂ inhibition and underline mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Platelets aggregation and thoracic aorta ring contraction of rabbits were induced by U46619. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were further applied to explore the protective effect of MC-002 on endothelium when exposed to tumor necrosis factor - α (TNF-α). MTT method was used to assess cell damage, and ELISA analysis was exerted to estimate nitrogen monoxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) releasing. Fluorescence spectrophotometry was conducted to determine intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca^2 +]_i), and western blotting method was applied to evaluate the protein expressions of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), P-selectin and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB).

Results and conclusions

TXA₂ analog U46619 mediated obvious platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. MC-002 inhibited platelet aggregation through administration in vivo and incubation with platelet in vitro, and relaxed aorta ring in endothelium dependent manner. MC-002 alleviated cell damage, [Ca^2 +]_i overload, ET-1 overexcretion and TXB₂ activation, but improved NO availability reduction in HUVECs treated with TNF-α. Furthermore, MC-002 downregulated ICAM-1, P-selectin and NF-κB overexpression induced by TNF-α. In conclusion, MC-002 exerted antiplatelet aggregation effect through TXA₂ inhibition and relieved inflammatory injury of endothelial cells through NF-κB signal pathway.