Metal-based complexes with antiplatelet properties: antagonists of the platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) and other aggregating agents

Metal complexes displaying anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties are a promising research area. Development of new and effective anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic agents is necessary to prevent inflammatory-assisted diseases, thromboembolic disease and oxidative stress. In this frontier article, we report on coordination and organometallic compounds displaying anti-inflammatory and/or antithrombotic potencies, particularly through the inhibition of platelet aggregation. Non -classic targets, such as the platelet-activating factor (PAF), a phospholipid signaling molecule of the immune system and the most potent lipid mediator of inflammation, and its receptor (PAFR), along with collagen, serve as the target molecules in addition to thrombin and ADP (adenosine diphosphate). This article elucidates the progress in this area over the last 15 years, focusing on the great potential of transition metal complexes as possible therapeutic agents to treat inflammatory-assisted diseases, thromboembolic disease and oxidative stress. Metal-based inhibitors of inflammatory mediators could potentially constitute an interesting class of compounds as alternatives to the organic analogues currently in use. Results of this study show that this class of compounds merit further research towards the preparation of new metal-based complexes with improved pharmacological profiles.