A Phytoprostane from Gracilaria longissima Increases Platelet Activation, Platelet Adhesion to Leukocytes and Endothelial Cell Migration by Potential Binding to EP3 Prostaglandin Receptor

Plant phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) are lipid oxidative stress mediators that share structural similarities with mammal prostaglandins (PGs). They have been demonstrated to modulate inflammatory processes mediated by prostaglandins. The present study aims to test the effects of the most abundant oxylipin from Gracilaria longissima, ent-9-D1t-Phytoprostane (9-D1t-PhytoP), on platelet activation and vascular cells as well as clarify possible interactions with platelets and the endothelial EP3 receptor Platelet and monocyte activation was assessed by flow cytometry in the presence of purified 9-D1t-PhytoP. Cell migration was studied using the human Ea.hy926 cell line by performing a scratch wound healing assay. The RNA expression of inflammatory markers was evaluated by RT-PCR under inflammatory conditions. Blind docking consensus was applied to the study of the interactions of selected ligands against the EP3 receptor protein. The 9D1t-PhytoP exerts several pharmacological effects; these include prothrombotic and wound-healing properties. In endothelial cells, 9D1t-PhytP mimics the migration stimulus of PGE2. Computational analysis revealed that 9D1t-PhytP forms a stable complex with the hydrophobic pocket of the EP3 receptor by interaction with the same residues as misoprostol and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thus supporting its potential as an EP3 agonist. The potential to form procoagulant platelets and the higher endothelial migration rate of the 9-D1t-PhytoP, together with its capability to interact with PGE2 main target receptor in platelets suggest herein that this oxylipin could be a strong candidate for pharmaceutical research from a multitarget perspective.