Antiplatelet Effect of Daphnetin Is Regulated by cPLA2-Mediated Thromboxane A2 Generation in Mice

Coumarin derivatives have been recognized for their antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and daphnetin is one of the natural coumarin derivatives isolated from Daphne Koreana Nakai. Although the pharmacological value of daphnetin is well documented in diverse biological activities, its antithrombotic effect has not been studied to date. Here, we characterized the role and underlying mechanism of daphnetin in the regulation of platelet activation using murine platelets. In order to check the effect of daphnetin on platelet function, we first measured the effect of daphnetin on platelet aggregation and secretion. Collagen-induced platelet aggregation and dense granule secretion were partially inhibited by daphnetin. Interestingly, 2-MeSADP-induced secondary waves of aggregation and secretion were completely inhibited by daphnetin. It is known that 2-MeSADP-induced secretion and the resultant secondary wave of aggregation are mediated by the positive feedback effect of thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) generation, suggesting the important role of daphnetin on TxA(2) generation in platelets. Consistently, daphnetin did not affect the 2-MeSADP-induced platelet aggregation in aspirinated platelets where the contribution of TxA(2) generation was blocked. Additionally, platelet aggregation and secretion induced by a low concentration of thrombin, which is affected by the positive feedback effect of TxA(2) generation, were partially inhibited in the presence of daphnetin. Importantly, 2-MeSADP- and thrombin-induced TxA(2) generation was significantly inhibited in the presence of daphnetin, confirming the role of daphnetin on TxA(2) generation. Finally, daphnetin significantly inhibited 2-MeSADP-induced cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and ERK phosphorylation in non-aspirinated platelets. Only cPLA(2) phosphorylation, not ERK phosphorylation, was significantly inhibited by daphnetin in aspirinated platelets. In conclusion, daphnetin plays a critical role in platelet function by inhibiting TxA(2) generation through the regulation of cPLA(2) phosphorylation.