Inhibition of thrombin-induced signaling by resveratrol and quercetin: effects on adenosine nucleotide metabolism in endothelial cells and platelet–neutrophil interactions

Abstract Background Thrombin downregulates endothelial ectonucleotidase activity resulting in high levels of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which lead to platelet, leukocyte and endothelial activation. Depending on adenosine nucleotide levels, resting platelets inhibit and thrombin-activated platelets increase respiratory burst of neutrophils. Whether the red wine polyphenols quercetin and resveratrol affect thrombin-dependent adenosine nucleotide, metabolism and thrombin-induced signaling is unknown. Materials and methods ATP and ADP secretion by platelets, the impact on subsequent oxidative burst activity in neutrophils and CD39/ATPdase function in endothelial cells (ECs)was studied. Cell migration was measured in modified Boyden chambers; adenosine metabolites were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Signal transduction was studied by Western blotting. Results Quercetin and resveratrol inhibited thrombin-induced ADP and ATP secretion from platelets in a concentration-dependent manner. Augmented respiratory burst of neutrophils in response to thrombin-activated platelets was also inhibited by the two polyphenols as was neutrophil migration toward thrombin-induced supernatants of platelets. Quercetin and resveratrol restored the decreased CD39/ATPdase activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, in response to thrombin as demonstrated by adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine increases in endothelial culture supernatants. Both polyphenols inhibited thrombin-induced MAPK, JNK and focal adhesion kinase activities in endothelial cells. Conclusion Quercetin and resveratrol interfere with the proinflammatory signaling of thrombin resulting in the inhibition of adenosine nucleotide secretion from activated platelets and decreased neutrophil function. Moreover, the polyphenols protect endothelial adenosine nucleotide metabolism when downregulated by thrombin. These observations may explain cardioprotective effects of grape products.