Research Article
Vaclav Kotrbacek, Ivana Ves
Abstract
Background: We investigated the effect of resveratrol alone on platelet counts and ability to aggregate and its effect in combination with β-glucan. Methods: The experiment included three groups of growing piglets. Resveratrol was administered to the first experimental group (R). The second experimental group (RG) received resveratrol with the addition of β-glucan. The third group was used as control (C) and received alcohol solution only. Blood samples were collected before the start of the experiment and at the end of the 1st and 2nd week of supplementation. The number of platelets, their aggregation activity (amplitude) and rate of aggregation (slope) after stimulation by ADP and Cationic Propyl Gallate (CPG) were determined. Results: Resveratrol significantly reduced the numbers of platelets from 690.0 ± 145.10 × 109/l detected at the beginning of the experiment, to 484.2 ± 128.50 × 109/l after 2 weeks of supplementation (P<0.05). The administration of resveratrol together with β-glucan accelerated these changes; the numbers of platelets dropped significantly from the initial level of 694.8 ± 124.67 × 109/l to 509.9 ± 156.28 × 109/l already after one week of supplementation (P<0.05) and at the end of the experiment were 463.3 ± 195.59 × 109/l (P<0.05). The aggregation activity of platelets induced by ADP decreased significantly at the end of the experiment in both experimental groups (R: P<0.01; RG: P<0.05); and was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P<0.01). Platelet aggregation rate induced by CPG was decreased in R group (P<0.05; and RG group P<0.01). Conclusion: The results demonstrate the similar effect of resveratrol and β-glucan on the number of platelets and their aggregation ability in piglets.