Inhibition of platelet activation by 5-aminosalicylic acid in inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Platelets play an important role in inflammation and are activated in inflammatory bowel disease. Micro-vascular thrombosis in the gut wall leading to intestinal micro-infarction may be a pathogenic feature of Crohn's disease. 5-Aminosalicylic acid is an effective treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

AIMS:

To assess the effects of 5-aminosalicylic acid on platelet activation, when taken orally and in vitro by patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS:

Spontaneous and thrombin-induced platelet activation were studied using fluorescent antibodies to the activated platelet surface glycoprotein P-selectin and flow cytometry.

RESULTS:

Baseline platelet activation in inflammatory bowel disease was significantly greater than that in controls (P=0.0003). Independent of diagnosis or disease activity, spontaneous ex-vivo platelet activation was 50% lower in patients with inflammatory bowel disease taking 5-aminosalicylic acid orally than in those not on such treatment (P < 0.05). In vitro, 5-aminosalicylic acid significantly reduced both spontaneous (P < 0. 03 for >/=1 microM 5-aminosalicylic acid) and thrombin-induced platelet activation (P < 0.02 for >/= 1 microM 5-aminosalicylic acid).

CONCLUSIONS:

5-Aminosalicylic acid given either orally or in vitro inhibits platelet activation. If this effect reflects an in vivo action in the gut, it could contribute to the beneficial actions of 5-aminosalicylic acid in inflammatory bowel disease.

• Authors: E Carty, M MacEy, D S Rampton
• Journal: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (Aliment Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 14 Issue 9 Pg. 1169-79 (Sep 2000) ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England
• PMID: 10971234 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• P-Selectin
• Mesalamine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Case-Control Studies
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Flow Cytometry
• Humans
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (drug therapy)
• Male
• Mesalamine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• P-Selectin (blood)
• Platelet Activation (drug effects)