Crocin, a dietary additive protects platelets from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and inhibits platelet aggregation

Abstract

Platelets are the key players in the development of cardiovascular diseases as the microparticles generated by apoptotic platelets and platelet aggregation contribute actively towards the disease propagation. Thus, the aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of a phytochemical which can prevent these two processes and thereby project it as a cardio-protective compound. Crocin, a natural carotenoid exhibits a wide spectrum of therapeutic potentials through its antioxidant property. The study demonstrated its effects on cytoplasmic apoptotic events of mitochondrial pathway in platelets. Collagen/calcium ionophore-A23187 stimulated platelets were treated with crocin and endogenous generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) were measured. H(2)O(2)-induced changes in crocin-pretreated platelets such as intracellular calcium, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), caspase activity, phosphatidylserine exposure and cytochrome c translocation were determined. Crocin dose-dependently ameliorated collagen- and A23187-induced endogenous generation of ROS and H(2)O(2). It also abolished the H(2)O(2)-induced events of intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Further, it hindered collagen-induced platelet aggregation and adhesion. The current piece of work clearly suggests its anti-apoptotic effect as well as inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation. Thus, crocin can be deemed as a prospective candidate in the treatment regime of platelet-associated diseases.

Effect of Crocin and Voluntary Exercise on P53 Protein in Pancreas of Type2 Diabetic Rats

“…36 Thus, hara et al (2013) suggested that crocin protects platelets from oxidative stressinduced apoptosis through reducing H2O2-evoked activation of caspase-3 (pro-apoptotic protein). 37 Therefore we suggest that the anti-apoptotic effect of crocin may due to antioxidant effects, lowering blood glucose and reduction of p53 protein in pancreas tissue. Finally, in the present study, we found that crocin combination with voluntary exercise have an additive effects on blood glucose, HbA1c and p53 expression levels in pancreas tissue of type 2 diabetic rats.…”

A New Ibuprofen Derivative Inhibits Platelet Aggregation and ROS Mediated Platelet Apoptosis

“…Hence, there is a need for potent molecules that can protect platelets from the premature death. Till date there are only two reports describing the inhibition of platelet apoptosis by phytochemicals namely, cinnamtannin-B1 and crocin [17], [18]. Both the molecules ameliorate the oxidative stress-induced platelet apoptosis by modulating ROS mediated mitochondrial damage.…”

Treatment of Platelet Concentrates with the Mirasol Pathogen Inactivation System Modulates Platelet Oxidative Stress and NF-κB Activation

“…Oxidative stress occurs where excess ROS overwhelm endogenous antioxidant systems, resulting in damage to many cellular components, including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, and subsequent apoptosis [21,22]. Hydrogen peroxide is capable of causing oxidative damage to platelet proteins [41], and a recent study demonstrates that riboflavin/UV treatment of platelets induces oxidative modification of selected peptides, such as fibronectin [42], and Mirasol treatment of plasma increases protein carbonylation [15].…”

“…As platelets generate ROS during activation [16,17] and ROS are capable of selectively modulating platelet activation [18,19], it is imperative to understand the role of Mirasol treatment in this context to ensure a complete understanding of the toxicological profile of this component [20]. Persistent high levels of ROS may overwhelm endogenous antioxidant systems, resulting in damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids leading to apoptosis [21,22]. …”