Modulation of platelet thromboxane and malonaldehyde by dietary vitamin E and linoleate.

Thromboxane (TXB2) and malonaldehyde (MDA) production by thrombin-stimulated washed platelet were evaluated in rats fed 6 combinations of dietary vitamin E (0, 100, 1000 ppm) and linoleate (6.5 and 17.0 en%) for 23 weeks. The molar ratio of MDA:TXB2 was consistently near 3 in all groups studied. In animals receiving the lower linoleate diets, TXB2 and MDA synthesis were inversely related to the dietary vitamin E concentrations and the levels of MDA and TXB2 were positively correlated (r = 0.99) with decreasing vitamin E in the diet. High dietary linoleate (17.0 en%), independent of vitamin E status, reduces TXB2 and MDA synthesis. The importance of dietary antioxidant on platelet prostanoid synthesis is discussed.