Flavonoids inhibit the platelet TxA2 signalling pathway and antagonize TxA2 receptors (TP) in platelets and smooth muscle cells

What is already known about this subject • Flavonoids are largely recognized as potential inhibitors of platelet function, through nonspecific mechanisms such as antioxidant activity and/or inhibition of several enzymes and signalling proteins. • In addition, we, and few others, have shown that certain antiaggregant flavonoids may behave as specific TXA2 receptor (TP) ligands in platelets. • Whether flavonoids interact with TP isoforms in other cell types is not known, and direct evidence that flavonoid–TP interaction inhibits signalling downstream TP has not been shown. What this study adds • This study first demonstrates that certain flavonoids behave as ligands for both TP isoforms, not only in platelets, but also in human myometrium and in TP-transfected HEK 293T cells. • Differences in the effect of certain flavonoids in platelet signalling, induced by either U46619 or thrombin, suggest that abrogation of downstream TP signalling is related to their specific blockage of the TP, rather than to a nonspecific effect on tyrosine kinases or other signalling proteins. Aims Flavonoids may affect platelet function by several mechanisms, including antagonism of TxA2 receptors (TP). These TP are present in many tissues and modulate different signalling cascades. We explored whether flavonoids affect platelet TP signalling, and if they bind to TP expressed in other cell types. Methods Platelets were treated with flavonoids, or other selected inhibitors, and then stimulated with U46619. Similar assays were performed in aspirinized platelets activated with thrombin. Effects on calcium release were analysed by fluorometry and changes in whole protein tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of ERK 1/2 by Western blot analysis. The binding of flavonoids to TP in platelets, human myometrium and TPα- and TPβ-transfected HEK 293T cells was explored using binding assays and the TP antagonist 3H-SQ29548. Results Apigenin, genistein, luteolin and quercetin impaired U46619-induced calcium mobilization in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 10–30 µm). These flavonoids caused a significant impairment of U46619-induced platelet tyrosine phosphorylation and of ERK 1/2 activation. By contrast, in aspirin-treated platelets all these flavonoids, except quercetin, displayed minor effects on thrombin-induced calcium mobilization, ERK 1/2 and total tyrosine phosphorylation. Finally, apigenin, genistein and luteolin inhibited by >50% 3H-SQ29548 binding to different cell types. Conclusions These data further suggest that flavonoids may inhibit platelet function by binding to TP and by subsequent abrogation of downstream signalling. Binding of these compounds to TP occurs in human myometrium and in TP-transfected HEK 293T cells and suggests that antagonism of TP might mediate the effects of flavonoids in different tissues.