Release of Thromboxane A2 and β-Thromboglobulin during In-Vivo Plug Formation following Standardized Skin Incisions: Effect of a Moderate Fish Intake

Abstract

This paper describes a controlled study of the effects of a fish supplement on haemostasis. This was evaluated by measuring bleeding times from skin incisions, the volume of the emerging blood, the number of platelets taking part in the formation of the haemostatic plug (platelet retention), and the release of thromboxane B2 and beta-thromboglobulin in volunteers, before and after consuming a daily supplement of 100 g of fish (n = 20) or meat (n = 20) paste for 6 weeks. The fish supplement decreased the amount of thromboxane B2 released per platelet incorporated into the plug. Despite this, the skin bleeding times were hardly changed. There was also no difference in platelet retention, which was consistent with there being no difference in the release of beta-thromboglobulin. These results suggest that in the effect of marine diets on haemostasis, a reduced vascular reactivity plays a more important role than decreased plug formation.