Smoking-induced changes in endothelium and platelets are not affected by hydroxyethylrutosides.

A random-order, double-blind crossover study was carried out to compare the effects of placebo and hydroxyethylrutosides on the endothelial cell count, platelet aggregate ratio and plasma concentrations of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 in venous blood before and after smoking. Each of 24 male habitual smokers and 22 male non-smokers smoked two cigarettes during each of two 20 min periods separated by 1 week. The subjects were asked to take 600 mg of o-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides (Venoruton) or a placebo four times before each experimental smoking period and to abstain from smoking for 12 h before each period. Blood was obtained just before and after experimental smoking. The mean endothelial cell count and beta-thromboglobulin concentration increased and platelet aggregate ratio decreased to a statistically significant extent after taking placebo or rutosides while the platelet factor 4 concentration did not change significantly on either occasion. Plasma nicotine concentrations were not significantly correlated with the other variables after smoking. Neither the mean presmoking values nor smoking-induced changes in any variable were significantly affected by rutosides. The data suggest that smoking caused acute endothelial cell desquamation and enhanced platelet function which were not prevented by rutosides.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes