Platelets as Potential Non-Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factor-Analysis Performed in Healthy Donors.

Abnormal lipid profile, increased glucose level, and elevated body weight are traditional cardiometabolic risk factors; however, the role of platelets in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly being highlighted. The aim of this study was to select platelet-related parameters (non-genetic molecular and routine laboratory measurements) that may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk among healthy populations. We evaluated the level of platelet indices, platelet-based inflammatory markers, platelet reactivity parameters, and platelet reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in relation to selected cardiometabolic risk factors. We noted the association between total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol with platelet aggregation and platelet ROS generation. We found the relationship between triglycerides, glucose, and body mass index with the relatively new multi-inflammatory indices (MII-1 and MII-3). Moreover, we noticed that the mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio in healthy subjects is not a good source of information about platelets and inflammation. We also highlighted that platelet-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio may be a promising prognostic cardiometabolic indicator. The association between platelet-related (especially molecular) and cardiometabolic parameters requires further research. However, the goal of this study was to shed light on the consideration of platelets as a non-traditional cardiovascular risk factor and a crucial element in identifying individuals at high-risk of developing CVD in the future.

The Anti-Aggregative Potential of Resolvin E1 on Human Platelets.

Resolvin E1 is a metabolite of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which is one of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs). The antiplatelet properties of omega-3 PUFAs are well known, but the effect of resolvin E1 on platelets via the collagen receptors is extremely poorly reported. We investigated the effect of resolvin E1 on collagen-induced platelet aggregation, activation, and reactivity, and also platelet membrane fluidity. The ultimate and statistically significant results showed that resolvin E1 may inhibit platelet reactivity due to the reduction of collagen-induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma and isolated platelets, but not in whole blood. Also, resolvin E1 significantly reduced P-selectin exposure on collagen-stimulated platelets. Moreover, we demonstrated that resolvin E1 can maintain platelet membrane structure (without increasing membrane fluidity). The association between platelet reactivity and membrane fluidity, including resolvin E1 and collagen receptors requires further research. However, the goal of this study was to shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind the anti-aggregative effects of resolvin E1 on platelets, which are still not fully clarified. We also indicate an innovative research direction focused on further analysis and then use of omega-3 PUFAs metabolites as antiplatelet compounds for future applications in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are useful markers for assessing effects of anti-inflammatory diet in patients before coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: One of the risk factors responsible for coronary artery disease (CAD) is an inadequate diet that is frequently deficient in anti-inflammatory components, such as polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) are inflammatory markers that may reflect a diet's antiinflammatory potential. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects that CAD patients' nutrition patterns have on NLR and SII. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study assessed the dietary habits and inflammatory marker levels in patients with advanced CAD before they underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n=101). Patients were divided into subgroups based on their NLR and SII levels. RESULTS: Subgroups with lower NLR and SII levels had consumed significantly more eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (p=0.02). The group with a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (<4:1) also had lower NLR and SII levels (p=0.007 and p=0.01, respectively). Statistically significant negative correlations were found between EPA and DHA, as well as omega-3 intake, and both NLR and SII values. No statistically significant differences were found between the subgroups with lower and higher NLR and SII values for polyphenol intakes. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory markers such as NLR and SII may reflect an anti-inflammatory diet consumed by cardiac patients. A simultaneous assessment of dietary habits and inflammatory parameters is beneficial in the possible prevention of adverse cardiovascular incidents after CABG. There is also a need to establish reference values for SII and NLR.

Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Metabolites on Haemostasis-Current Perspectives in Cardiovascular Disease.

The beneficial effects of long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) in cardioprotection are widely known and generally accepted. In this literature review, we have focused on the known and postulated mechanisms of action of omega-3 PUFAs and their metabolites on various components of the haemostatic system, in particular on blood platelets and endothelium. We have also made an attempt to provide a comprehensive review of epidemiological studies with particular regard to clinical trials. Notably, the results of these studies are contradictory, and some of them failed to report the beneficial effects of taking or supplementing omega-3 PUFAs in the diet. A potential explanation, in our opinion, could be the need to use higher doses of omega-3 PUFAs and a proper ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs. An additional problem which is difficult to solve is the use of a proper neutral placebo for interventional studies. Despite some controversies regarding the beneficial effects of supplementation of omega-3 PUFAs in cardiovascular disease, our review suggests that a promising aspect of future studies and applications is to focus on the anti-thrombotic properties of these compounds. An argument supporting this assumption is the recent use of omega-3 PUFAs as a supporting tool for the treatment of COVID-19 complications.

Supplementation of Bovine Colostrum in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Benefits and Contraindications.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic relapsing disorders whose etiology has not been fully explained. Therefore, available therapeutic approaches for IBD patients are still insufficient. Current treatment strategies are targeted to immune system dysfunctions, often associated with alternations in the microbiota, which contribute to the development of chronic intestinal inflammation. Therapeutics include anti-inflammatory drugs such as aminosalicylates and corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, antibiotics, and biological agents such as infliximab and vedolizumab. Auxiliary therapies involve a balanced and personalized diet, healthy lifestyle, avoiding stress, as well as dietary supplements. In this review, we discuss the use of bovine colostrum (BC) as a therapeutic agent, including its advantages and contraindications. We summarize our knowledge on well-researched BC constituents and their effects on the gastrointestinal tract as evidenced in in vitro and in vivo studies.