Modulation of the platelet function by diet supplemented with flaxseed and vitamin E in diabetic hamsters

: The aim of our study was to assess the platelet aggregation and adhesiveness in diabetic and non-diabetic hamsters receiving or not a diet supplemented with flaxseed (rich in'alpha-linolenic acid) and vitamin E. Forty-eight 6-month old male Golden Syrian hamsters were distributed in either control (non-diabetic) and diabetic group (STZ, 50 mg/kg body weight, i.p.). The control and diabetic groups received one of the following diets 1. control diet (rich in linoleic acid) ; 2. diet supplemented with flaxseed (15% flaxseed); 3. diet supplemented with flaxseed and vitamin E (40 mg/kg body weight); 4. diet supplemented with flaxseed and vitamin E. We measured platelet aggregation and adhesiveness after 20 weeks from the beginning of the experiment. In diabetic hamsters, only the diet supplemented with both flaxseed and vitamin E resulted in significant reduction of platelet aggregation (5.5 +/- 5.2 mOD/min vs. 10.3 +/- 3.8 mOD/min) and adhesiveness (9.7 +/- 3.9% vs. 23.4 +/- 10.6%) as compared to diabetic animals fed with control diet. In non-diabetic animals, flaxseed rich diet alone was efficient in lowering platelet functions as compared to linoleic acid rich diet. Mixed diet containing flaxseed and vitamin E was more effective than flaxseed alone in modulating platelet functions in diabetic hamsters. These observations indicate that vitamin E exerts important effects on determinants of oxidation and platelet functions and potentiates the flaxseed effects in experimental diabetes.