Platelet Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Nutrients

Abstract

Reactive oxidant species (ROS) and intracellular antioxidants are on a sophisticated equilibrium that may lead to cellular damage in case of enhanced production of ROS and/or lowered antioxidant status. Several enzymatic pathways concur to the platelet production of ROS, including NADPH oxidase, myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase and uncoupled eNOS. Platelet NADPH oxidase seems to play a crucial role in platelet activation. Pharmacologic approach to reduce platelet activation by the down-regulation of NAPDH oxidase, may represent a future target of antiplatelet drugs. In this context some antioxidant molecules content in food, such as polyphenols, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and PUFAn-3, would be of potential interest.