Antioxidant activity of resveratrol in endotoxin-stimulated blood platelets

Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene) is a natural molecule with antioxidant action. It is also considered to be a molecule with antiplatelet, anticancer and anti-inflammatory action. The effects of trans-resveratrol on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in blood platelets induced by endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) or thrombin were studiedin vitro. The production of superoxide radicals (O₂ ^.–) and other reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂, singlet oxygen, and organic radicals) in the presence of resveratrol was measured by a chemiluminescence method in resting blood platelets and platelets stimulated by LPS (0.3 μg/10⁸ platelets) or thrombin (2.5 U/10⁸ platelets). We have shown that resveratrol (6.25–100 μg/ml) inhibits chemiluminescence and generation of O₂ ^.– in blood platelets. It has an inhibitory effect on the production of ROS and TBARS in platelets caused by LPS or thrombin. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.