XJ-8, a natural compound isolated from Sanguis draxonis, inhibits platelet function and thrombosis by targeting MAP3K3.

Background: Vascular injury initiates rapid platelet activation, which is critical for haemostasis, while it also causes fatal thrombotic diseases, such as myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke.

Objectives: To study the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of XJ-8, a natural compound isolated from Sanguis draxonis, on platelet activation and thrombosis.

Methods: The regulatory effects of XJ-8 on the dense granule release, thromboxane A (TxA ) synthesis, α-granule release, activation of integrin αIIbβ3, and aggregation of platelets induced by multiple agonists were investigated in in vitro experiments. The effects of XJ-8 on bleeding time and FeCl -induced carotid artery thrombosis were also evaluated in in vivo experiments. Furthermore, we investigated the underlying mechanisms by which XJ-8 exerted its pharmacological effects.

Results: XJ-8 not only significantly inhibited the dense granule release, TxA synthesis, and aggregation of platelets induced by multiple agonists, but also exerted extending effects on bleeding time and therapeutic effects on thrombotic disease. In addition, XJ-8 selectively and moderately inhibited the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3) and the activation of signalling pathways downstream MAP3K3, which play important roles in platelet activation.

Conclusion: XJ-8 can inhibit platelet function and thrombosis by targeting MAP3K3 and has potential to be developed into a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of thrombotic diseases.