Platelets are cellular fragments derived from bone-marrow megacaryocytes and they are mostly involved in the haemostasis and coagulation. However, according to recent data, platelets are able to perform novel immune functions. In fact, they possess a receptorial armamentarium on their membrane for interacting with innate and adaptive immune cells. In addition, platelets also secrete granules which contain cytokines and chemokines for activating and recruiting even distant immune cells. The participation of platelets in inflammatory processes will also be discussed in view of their dual role in terms of triggering or resolving inflammation. Involvement of platelets in disease will be illustrated, pointing to their versatile function to either up- or down-regulate pathological mechanisms. Finally, despite the availability of some anti-platelet agents, such as aspirin, dietary manipulation of platelet function is currently investigated. In this regard, special emphasis will be placed on dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and polyphenol effects on platelets. Platelets play a dual role in inflammatory-immune-mediated diseases either activating or deactivating immune cells. Diet based on substances, such as omega-3 PUFAs and polyphenols, may act as a modulator of platelet function, even if more clinical trials are needed to corroborate such a contention.

血小板是源自骨髓巨核细胞的细胞碎片，主要参与止血和凝血。然而，根据最近的数据，血小板能够执行新的免疫功能。事实上，它们的膜上有一个受体设备，用于与先天性和适应性免疫细胞相互作用。此外，血小板还分泌含有细胞因子和趋化因子的颗粒，用于激活和募集甚至远处的免疫细胞。鉴于血小板在触发或解决炎症方面的双重作用，还将讨论血小板在炎症过程中的参与。将说明血小板在疾病中的参与，指出它们在上调或下调病理机制方面的多功能功能。最后，尽管有一些抗血小板药物，如阿司匹林，但目前正在研究血小板功能的饮食控制。在这方面，将特别强调膳食中的 omega-3 多不饱和脂肪酸 (PUFA) 和多酚对血小板的影响。血小板在激活或失活免疫细胞的炎症免疫介导的疾病中发挥双重作用。以omega-3 多不饱和脂肪酸和多酚等物质为基础的饮食可以作为血小板功能的调节剂，即使需要更多的临床试验来证实这种论点。血小板在激活或失活免疫细胞的炎症免疫介导的疾病中发挥双重作用。以omega-3 多不饱和脂肪酸和多酚等物质为基础的饮食可以作为血小板功能的调节剂，即使需要更多的临床试验来证实这种论点。血小板在激活或失活免疫细胞的炎症免疫介导的疾病中发挥双重作用。以omega-3 多不饱和脂肪酸和多酚等物质为基础的饮食可以作为血小板功能的调节剂，即使需要更多的临床试验来证实这种论点。