Platelet aggregation induced by the C-terminal peptide of thrombospondin-1 (4N1-1) is inhibited by epigallocatechin gallate but not by prostaglandin E1.

The C-terminal peptide of thrombospondin (4N1-1) stimulates distinct signalling pathways but induces an activation-independent platelet aggregation. This study demonstrates inhibitory effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major flavonoid component of green tea, on 4N1-1-induced aggregation of washed human platelets. Thrombin (0.1 U/ml)-induced platelet aggregation was completely inhibited by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1, 300 nM). In contrast, platelet aggregation induced by 4N1-1 (100 microM) was not affected by PGE1. However, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), but not other catechins from green tea, concentration-dependently inhibited 4N1-1-induced platelet aggregation. Thus, dietary components, such as EGCG, may inhibit platelet function even under conditions, when 'classical' platelet inhibitors, such as cAMP-elevating agents, are not effective.