Abnormal function of platelets and role of angelica sinensis in patients with ulcerative colitis.

AIM

To explore the abnormal function of platelets and the role of angelica sinensis injection (ASI) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

In 39 patients with active UC, 25 patients with remissive UC and 30 healthy people, alpha-granule membrane protein (GMP-140) and thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) were detected by means of ELISA, 6-keto-PGF(1a) was detected by radioimmunoassay, platelet count (PC) and 1 min platelet aggregation rate (1 min PAR) were detected by blood automatic tester and platelet aggregation tester respectively, and von Willebrand factor related antigen (vWF:Ag) was detected by the means of monoclonal -ELISA. The 64 patients with UC were divided into two therapy groups. After routine treatment and angelica sinensis injection (ASI) + routine treatment respectively for 3 weeks, all these parameters were also detected.

RESULTS

The PC, 1 min PAR and levels of GMP-140, TXB(2), and vWF:Ag in active UC were significantly higher than those in remissive UC and normal controls (P<0.05-0.01).Meanwhile, 1 min PAR and levels of GMP-140, TXB(2), and vWF:Ag in remissive UC were still significantly higher than those in normal controls (P<0.05). Furthermore, 6-keto-PGF(1a) level in active and remissive UC was remarkably lower than that in normal control (P<0.05-0.01). These parameters except 6-keto-PGF(1a) were significantly improved after the treatment in ASI therapy group (P<0.05-0.01), whereas they all were little changed in routine therapy group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Platelets can be significantly activated in UC, which might be related with vascular endothelium injury and imbalance between TXB(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1a) in blood. ASI can significantly inhibit platelet activation, relieve vascular endothelial cell injury, and improve microcirculation in UC.