Suppression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity by crocin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced thrombosis in rats

The imbalance between clot formation and fibrinolysis is mainly attributed to increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis closely involved in inflammatory responses such as septic shock. This increase is mediated by many factors, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study was designed to evaluate the prophylactic effect of crocin, a potent natural antioxidant, on PAI-1 in the rat model of endotoxic shock. Lipopolysaccharide-infused rats (500 μg/kg) showed significant changes in thrombosis-related haematological parameters such as decrease of platelet blood counts and increase (7 fold) of PAI-1 concentration in blood plasma. No effect on t-PA activity was observed. Crocin administration in two different doses (10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) 30 min prior to the injection of LPS, inhibited the reduction of platelet counts and ameliorated the concentration of PAI-1 in the liver and the brain. Moreover, crocin inhibited the deposition of fibrin in the renal glomeruli. No significant changes were recorded in the healthy groups of crocin (10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) compared to the control group. These data demonstrate the potential of crocin to prevent LPS-induced organ injury and suggest it is worthwhile to investigate the use of antioxidants for the treatment of septicemia.