Action of eicosapentaenoic acid rich marine fish oil on platelet function in vitro and in vivo

Our research work consisted of 3 parts: (1) In vitro, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was added to blood specimen and incubated at 37℃ for 1 min. Platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA) was found to be greatly inhibited, TXB2 was reduced, and a concentration-response relationship was seen. The platelet aggregation induced by ADP was not affected. (2) EPA-marine fish oil 15g (EPA 1.8g)/d or 3g (EPA 0.4g)/d po was given to 12 healthy volunteers for 4wk. Inhibition of platelet function was seen with no statistical significance of difference among them. There was no effect on platelet count. (3) EPA rich marine fish oil was given to 12 patients with hypertension, 15 patients with diabetes mellitus and 20 patients with coronary heart disease. They all were in various degree of hypercoagulation state, All patients took marine fish oil 3g/d for 20d. Results showed a lengthening of bleeding time, decreased platelet adhesiveness and aggregation. The plasma level of TXB3 was decreased and 6-keto-PGF1a elevated in comparison with the control group. It is suggested that EPA rich fish oil can be used to treat disorders of platelet function.