EC Pharmacology and Toxicology

Background: Age-related changes in platelet function, coagulation, and oxidative balance impair hemostasis, contributing to delayed wound healing and other age-associated disorders. Micronutrients such as Vitamin E and Zinc, with established antioxidant and modulatory properties, may counteract these effects. This study investigated the impact of Vitamin E, Zinc, and their combination on platelet function, coagulation, and oxidative stress in young and older Wistar rats.

Methods: Sixty-four male rats were assigned to young (28-day) and older (90-day) groups, each subdivided into four subgroups: control, Vitamin E (200 mg/kg/day), Zinc (10 mg/kg/day), and Vitamin E + Zinc (200 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg/day). Supplements were administered orally for 28 days. Platelet indices, aggregation, prothrombin time, bleeding time, fibrinogen, and oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, CAT, GPx) were assessed.

Results: Older rats exhibited reduced platelet counts and plateletcrit, but elevated MPV, PDW, platelet aggregation, prothrombin time, bleeding time, fibrinogen, and MDA, alongside decreased SOD, CAT, and GPx (p < 0.05), consistent with age-related hemostatic and oxidative alterations. Vitamin E, Zinc, and particularly their combination, significantly improved platelet indices, reduced aggregation, bleeding time, fibrinogen, and MDA, while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities (p < 0.05). The combined supplementation produced the strongest effects, indicating synergistic antioxidant mechanisms.

Conclusion: Vitamin E and Zinc supplementation, especially in combination, mitigates age-related platelet and coagulation dysfunction via antioxidant modulations. These findings highlight their potential as adjunct pharmacological agents for maintaining hemostatic balance and reducing complications associated with aging.

 Keywords: Aging Physiology; Platelet Function; Coagulation; Vitamin E; Zinc; Antioxidant Mechanism

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