Aspirin and other antiplatelet agents in the secondary and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

Emerging Roles and Therapeutic Applications of Arachidonic Acid Pathways in Cardiometabolic Diseases

Cardiometabolic disease has become a major health burden worldwide, with sharply increasing prevalence but highly limited therapeutic interventions. Emerging evidence has revealed that arachidonic acid derivatives and pathway factors link metabolic disorders to cardiovascular risks and intimately participate in the progression and severity of cardiometabolic diseases. In this review, we systemically summarized and updated the biological functions of arachidonic acid pathways in cardiometabolic diseases, mainly focusing on heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and diabetes. We further discussed the cellular and molecular mechanisms of arachidonic acid pathway-mediated regulation of cardiometabolic diseases and highlighted the emerging clinical advances to improve these pathological conditions by targeting arachidonic acid metabolites and pathway factors.

Effect of aspirin on blood pressure in hypertensive patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Aspirin is widely used for secondary prevention in patients with hypertension. However, previous studies mainly focused on the preventive effects of aspirin, and there has been a lack of reliable evidence on whether taking aspirin affects blood pressure This study aimed to investigate whether aspirin would affect the blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, Scopus and Medline databases were searched until September 2023. For continuous variables (e.g., blood pressure reduction), the mean difference (MD) was selected as the effect magnitude indices. We used the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool to assess the risk of bias.

RESULT

A total of five studies were included, comprising 20,312 patients. We found that aspirin did not affect SBP (MD = -0.78, 95% CI: - 2.41, 0.84). A similar result was found for DBP (MD = -0.86, 95% CI: - 2.14, 0.42).

CONCLUSION

This study showed no significant difference in blood pressure between the aspirin and control groups, suggesting that aspirin does not affect blood pressure.

The impact of enteric coating of aspirin on aspirin responsiveness in patients with suspected or newly diagnosed ischemic stroke: prospective cohort study: results from the (ECASIS) study

Background and purpose

Uncertainty remains regarding the impact of enteric-coated aspirin (EC-ASA) on secondary prevention of ischemic stroke compared to plain aspirin (P-ASA). Hence, this study was designed to investigate the effect of EC formulation on ASA response via evaluating thromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels in patients with suspected or newly diagnosed stroke.

Methods

A prospective cohort study on suspected or newly diagnosed ischemic stroke patients who are aspirin-naive was conducted. Patients were received either EC aspirin or plain aspirin for at least 3 days. The primary outcome was the proportion of aspirin non-responsiveness between two groups (level of residual serum TXB2 associated with elevated thrombotic risk (< 99.0% inhibition or TXB2 > 3.1 ng/ml) within 72 h after three daily aspirin doses, while secondary outcomes were the incidence of early gastrointestinal tract (GIT) bleeding with the various aspirin preparations. (Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04330872 registered on 02 April 2020).

Results

Of 42 patients, ischemic strokes were confirmed in both P-ASA (81%) and EC-ASA (67%) arms. ASA non-responsiveness showed no significant difference between the two formulations (P-ASA vs. EC-ASA; 28.6% vs 23.8%; P = 0.726). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients treated with EC-ASA were more likely to have a lower rate of non-responders compared to P-ASA (unadjusted OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.20, 3.11); with the risk highest in type 2 diabetic patients with HBA1c > 6.5% (adjusted OR 6; 95% CI 1.02, 35.27; P = 0.047). No incidence of GIT bleeding observed throughout the study.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of ASA non-responsiveness was recorded regardless of ASA formulation administered. The increased risk of ASA non-responsiveness in diabetic patients needs further exploration by larger prospective studies.

An investigation into the impact of enteric coated of aspirin in patients with newly diagnosed ischemic stroke (ECASIS)

INTRODUCTION

Uncertainty remains regarding the impact of enteric-coated (EC) aspirin as it relates to the reduction of cardiovascular risk. We hypothesize that EC formulation based on a previous report may blunt aspirin response as evidenced by reduced Thromboxane A2 (TXA 2) levels in diabetic patients. Thus, it was imperative to ascertain and validate the effect of the EC formulation of Aspirin on the Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) level.

METHODS/DESIGN

An open-label consecutive randomized interventional controlled trial. Patients with newly diagnosed ischemic stroke who are just about to start Aspirin were assessed for eligibility and inclusion in our trial. Consecutive patients (admitted to the stroke unit of Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar) will be randomized to receive either EC aspirin or plain Aspirin. They will be required to continue taking them throughout the study (3 days). Demographics and laboratory records of the study participants will be abstracted from online records. Further study variables will be obtained manually in designated case record forms (CRF). The primary outcomes are the incidence of aspirin non-responders (level of residual serum TXB2 associated with elevated thrombotic risk (<99.0% inhibition or TXB2 >3.1 ng/mL) within 72 h after three daily aspirin doses). Whereas secondary outcomes are the incidence of GIT bleeding of various preparations of Aspirin. The study was approved by MRC and IRB of Hamad Medical Corporation (MRC number: 01-18-156).

DISCUSSION

This trial will determine potential differences in the efficacy of EC Aspirin and plain Aspirin on the Thromboxane B2 level. Additionally, it will ascertain the tolerability and safety of both formulations of Aspirin in patients with newly diagnosed ischemic stroke. These results will either support the current notion of no difference between the two formulations. However, if a difference is found, this will invite for future trials exploring clinical outcomes occurrence between various formulations.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04330872 registered on April 2, 2020.

The dilemma of aspirin resistance in obese patients

Aspirin resistance (AR) commonly refers to the concept of reduced aspirin efficacy in preventing cardiovascular disease and platelet inhibition. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease three- to four-fold and has been associated with AR. Aspirin is used as a tool for both primary and secondary prevention, but recent studies suggest that its lack of efficacy for primary prevention is partly attributable to obesity. Several mechanisms have been described that contribute to AR in obese patients using pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. AR may be attenuated through weight loss, alternative dosing regimens, and different drug formulations. With the global rise of obesity, it is imperative to find preventive therapies that adequately address atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in this population.

The rise and fall of aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

Aspirin is one of the most frequently used drugs worldwide and is generally considered effective for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. By contrast, the role of aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is controversial. Early trials evaluating aspirin for primary prevention, done before the turn of the millennium, suggested reductions in myocardial infarction and stroke (although not mortality), and an increased risk of bleeding. In an effort to balance the risks and benefits of aspirin, international guidelines on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease have typically recommended aspirin only when a substantial 10-year risk of cardiovascular events exists. However, in 2018, three large randomised clinical trials of aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease showed little or no benefit and have even suggested net harm. In this narrative Review, we reappraise the role of aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, contextualising data from historical and contemporary trials.

Antithrombotic therapy in end-stage renal disease

The delicate balance of risk vs. benefit of using antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents in the general population is well established. The decision to use these agents in the end stage renal disease (ESRD) population remains complex and difficult. The concomitant association of a prothombotic state with high risk of bleeding in the ESRD population requires individualization and careful clinical judgment before implementing such therapy. There remains a paucity of clinical trials and lack of substantial evidence in literature for safe and effective use of antithrombotic drugs in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. The current review summarizes the pros and cons of using antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, evaluate the risks with routine use of anticoagulation for cerebrovascular stroke prevention with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and role of newer oral anticoagulants as alternate agents in the dialysis population.

ABCC3 Polymorphisms and mRNA Expression Influence the Concentration of a Carboxylic Acid Metabolite in Patients on Clopidogrel and Aspirin Therapy

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel combined therapy has been reported to be beneficial in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Antiplatelet drug resistance, especially to clopidogrel, is a multifactorial phenomenon that affects a large number of ACS patients. The genetic contribution to this drug response is not fully elucidated. We investigated the relationship of ABC-type efflux subfamily C member 3 (ABCC3) polymorphisms and mRNA expression with plasma concentrations of clopidogrel, salicylic acid (SA) and a carboxylic acid metabolite (CAM). Clopidogrel, CAM and SA plasma concentrations were measured simultaneously by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) from 83 ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. ABCC3 (rs757421, rs733392 and rs739923) and CYP2C19*2 (rs4244285) polymorphisms as well as mRNA expression were evaluated. A positive correlation was found between CAM concentrations and ABCC3 mRNA expression (r = 0.494, p < 0.0001). Patients carrying genotype AA (rs757421 variant) had higher CAM concentrations and ABCC3 mRNA expression as compared to those of GG + GA carriers (p = 0.017). A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ABCC3 mRNA expression (p = 0.017), rs757421 AA genotype (p = 0.001), blood collection time (p = 0.018) and clopidogrel dose (p = 0.001) contributed to the concentration of CAM. No associations were observed for the CYP2C19*2 polymorphism. These results suggest that up-regulation of ABCC3 mRNA expression leads to increased plasma CAM levels through MRP3-mediated cell efflux. The ABCC3 rs757421 polymorphism may contribute to gene expression. Therefore, ABCC3 may be a potential biomarker for the response to clopidogrel.

Effects of ezetimibe and anticoagulant combined therapy on progressing stroke: a randomized, placebo-controlled study

Despite the high prevalence of progressing stroke in patients with acute stroke, preventative treatments are still the unmet needs for those patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate, prospectively, the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe in the prevention of acute progressing stroke and thereby the improvement of patient outcome. A total of 423 patients (267 men and 156 women with a mean age of 65.2 years) were randomly assigned to receive ezetimibe (10 mg daily oral administration, n = 209) or placebo (n = 214) for 14 consecutive days. Analytical procedures performed at baseline (i.e., day 1) and 14 days after the treatments were completed. These included a real-time three-dimensional ultrasound (RT-3DU) examination for carotid plaque volume, clinical laboratory analyses of serum levels of IL-6 and MMP-9, as well as lipid parameters and liver dysfunction marker ALT and TBIL. Ezetimibe significantly reduced the average NIHSS score after 14 days of treatment and attenuated the stroke progression rate, which was associated with reduction in carotid plaque volume and attenuation of serum levels of IL-6, MMP-9, and LDL, without inducing liver dysfunction. Ezetimibe treatment may be a beneficial and effective strategy for preventing progressing stroke.

Citric Acid Enhances the Antithrombotic Effect of Aspirin in Many Aspirin-Resistant Subjects

This study had three objectives: (1) to determine the frequency of high platelet aggregators in a consecutive series of 268 apparently healthy volunteers who presented to our Center; (2) to assess the inhibitory effect of aspirin (ASA) on these high aggregators; (3) to determine, in a double-blind trial, whether or not the addition of citric acid (CTA) to ASA would increase its inhibitory effect in subjects who had a suboptimal response to aspirin alone. A platelet aggregation-scoring methodology developed for turbidimetric platelet aggregometry was used to quantify baseline aggregation and medicinal effects. We define a high aggregator as one whose unmedicated PA score is ≥30. We define the response of a high aggregator to ASA as poor if the medicated PA score stays at ≥30. We found that 58 of 268 apparently healthy unmedicated volunteers (22%) had PA scores ≥30. and that 27 of these (47%) had a poor response to 325 mg ASA, with an average drop in their PA scores from 49.5 ± 13.1 to 41.1 ± 8.6 (16%). Twenty-five of these 27 people were enrolled in the double-Mind study comparing the effect of ASA and ASA + CTA on platelet aggregability. Of these high aggregators who had a poor response to ASA, 12 of 25 (50%) had a good response to 162.5 mg of ASA plus 162.5 mg of CTA, with an average drop of their PA scores from 46.7 ± 13.2 to 22.0 ± 5.2 (53%). CTA alone had no effect on the PA score, which was similar to the control placebo. Our data suggest that a 1:1 combination of ASA and CTA may offer significantly greater protection agairtst arterial thrombotic events than ASA alone in subjects who respond poorly to ASA. Key Words: Platelet aggregation—Antithrombotic medication—Thrombosis.

Dose of Aspirin in the Treatment and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Current and Future Directions

In meta-analyses of randomized trials of aspirin among patients with prior occlusive vascular disease events (secondary prevention), doses from 75 mg to more than 1500 mg daily provide similar benefits on myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. In acute myocardial infarction and during acute occlusive stroke, a loading dose of 162.5 to 325 mg is necessary to achieve a rapid clinical antithrombotic effect. In primary prevention trials, predominantly among men, aspirin (75 mg daily to 325 mg on alternate days) reduced the risk of a first myocardial infarction. In a large-scale trial in women, aspirin (100 mg on alternate days) reduced risk of a first stroke. In subgroup analyses of women older than age 65, aspirin significantly reduced first myocar-dial infarction and ischemic stroke. Direct comparisons of higher doses may yield additional cardiovascular benefits. At present, daily doses of 75 to 325 mg aspirin are sufficient for long-term treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Platelets and Cardiovascular Disease

Platelets play an important, but often under-recognized role in cardiovascular disease. For example, the normal response of the platelet can be altered, either by increased pro-aggregatory stimuli or by diminished anti-aggregatory substances to produce conditions of increased platelet activation/aggregation and occur in active cardiovascular disease states both on a chronic (e.g. stable angina pectoris) and acute basis (e.g. acute myocardial infarction). In addition, platelet hyperaggregability is also associated with the risk factors for coronary artery disease (e.g. smoking, hypertension, and hypercholesterolaemia). Finally, the utility of an increasing range of anti-platelet therapies in the management of the above disease states further emphasizes the pivotal role platelets play in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the normal physiologic role of platelets in maintain homeostasis, the pathophysiologic processes that contribute to platelet dysfunction in cardiovascular disease and the associated role and benefits of anti-platelet therapies.

Antiplatelet Aggregation and Antithrombosis Efficiency of Peptides in the Snake Venom of Deinagkistrodon acutus: Isolation, Identification, and Evaluation

Two peptides of Pt-A (Glu-Asn-Trp 429 Da) and Pt-B (Glu-Gln-Trp 443 Da) were isolated from venom liquor of Deinagkistrodon acutus. Their antiplatelet aggregation effects were evaluated with platelet-rich human plasma in vitro; the respective IC₅₀ of Pt-A and Pt-B was 66 μM and 203 μM. Both peptides exhibited protection effects on ADP-induced paralysis in mice. After ADP administration, the paralysis time of different concentration of Pt-A and Pt-B lasted as the following: 80 mg/kg Pt-B (152.8 ± 57.8 s) < 40 mg/kg Pt-A (163.5 ± 59.8 s) < 20 mg/kg Pt-A (253.5 ± 74.5 s) < 4 mg/kg clopidogrel (a positive control, 254.5 ± 41.97 s) < 40 mg/kg Pt-B (400.8 ± 35.9 s) < 10 mg/kg Pt-A (422.8 ± 55.4 s), all of which were statistically shorter than the saline treatment (666 ± 28 s). Pulmonary tissue biopsy confirmed that Pt-A and Pt-B prevented the formation of thrombi in the lung. Unlike ADP injection alone, which caused significant reduction of peripheral platelet count, Pt-A treatment prevented the drop of peripheral platelet counts; interestingly, Pt-B could not, even though the same amount of Pt-B also showed protection effects on ADP-induced paralysis and thrombosis. More importantly, intravenous injection of Pt-A and Pt-B did not significantly increase the hemorrhage risks as clopidogrel.

Role of coronary physiology in the contemporary management of coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide with approximately 1 in 30 patients with stable CAD experiencing death or acute myocardial infarction each year. The presence and extent of resultant myocardial ischaemia has been shown to confer an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Whilst, optimal medical therapy (OMT) forms the cornerstone of the management of patients with stable CAD, a significant number of patients present with ischaemia refractory to OMT. Historically coronary angiography alone has been used to determine coronary lesion severity in both stable and acute settings. It is increasingly clear that this approach fails to accurately identify the haemodynamic significance of lesions; especially those that are visually “intermediate” in severity. Revascularisation based upon angiographic appearances alone may not reduce coronary events above OMT. Technological advances have enabled the measurement of physiological indices including the fractional flow reserve, the index of microcirculatory resistance and the coronary flow reserve. The integration of these parameters into the routine management of patients presenting to the cardiac catheterization laboratory with CAD represents a critical adjunctive tool in the optimal management of these patients by identifying patients that would most benefit from revascularisation and importantly also highlighting patients that would not gain benefit and therefore reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes associated with coronary revascularisation. Furthermore, these techniques are applicable to a broad range of patients including those with left main stem disease, proximal coronary disease, diabetes mellitus, previous percutaneous coronary intervention and with previous coronary artery bypass grafting. This review will discuss current concepts relevant to coronary physiology assessment, its role in the management of both stable and acute patients and future applications.

Aspirin may influence cellular energy status

In our previous findings, we have demonstrated that aspirin/acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) might induce sirtuins via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ah receptor). Induction effects included an increase in cellular paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) gene expression. As predicted, ASA and salicylic acid (SA) treatment resulted in generation of H2O2, which is known to be an inducer of mitochondrial gene Sirt4 and other downstream target genes of Sirt1. Our current mass spectroscopic studies further confirm the metabolism of the drugs ASA and SA. Our studies show that HepG2 cells readily converted ASA to SA, which was then metabolized to 2,3-DHBA. HepG2 cells transfected with aryl hydrocarbon receptor siRNA upon treatment with SA showed the absence of a DHBA peak as measured by LC-MS/MS. MS studies for Sirt1 action also showed a peak at 180.9 m/z for the deacetylated and chlorinated product formed from N-acetyl lε-lysine. Thus an increase in Sirt4, Nrf2, Tfam, UCP1, eNOS, HO1 and STAT3 genes could profoundly affect mitochondrial function, cholesterol homeostasis, and fatty acid oxidation, suggesting that ASA could be beneficial beyond simply its ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase.

Lost in Translation (LiT): IUPHAR Review 6

Translational medicine is a roller coaster with occasional brilliant successes and a large majority of failures. Lost in Translation 1 ('LiT1'), beginning in the 1950s, was a golden era built upon earlier advances in experimental physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology, with a dash of serendipity, that led to the discovery of many new drugs for serious illnesses. LiT2 saw the large-scale industrialization of drug discovery using high-throughput screens and assays based on affinity for the target molecule. The links between drug development and university sciences and medicine weakened, but there were still some brilliant successes. In LiT3, the coverage of translational medicine expanded from molecular biology to drug budgets, with much greater emphasis on safety and official regulation. Compared with R&D expenditure, the number of breakthrough discoveries in LiT3 was disappointing, but monoclonal antibodies for immunity and inflammation brought in a new golden era and kinase inhibitors such as imatinib were breakthroughs in cancer. The pharmaceutical industry is trying to revive the LiT1 approach by using phenotypic assays and closer links with academia. LiT4 faces a data explosion generated by the genome project, GWAS, ENCODE and the 'omics' that is in danger of leaving LiT4 in a computerized cloud. Industrial laboratories are filled with masses of automated machinery while the scientists sit in a separate room viewing the results on their computers. Big Data will need Big Thinking in LiT4 but with so many unmet medical needs and so many new opportunities being revealed there are high hopes that the roller coaster will ride high again.

Low-dose aspirin and comorbidities are significantly related to bleeding peptic ulcers in elderly patients compared with nonelderly patients in Japan

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted using data accumulated from our earlier study of bleeding peptic ulcers, focusing on elderly patients.

METHODS

A total of 461 patients with bleeding peptic ulcers underwent emergency endoscopy at Saga Medical School Hospital between 1999 and 2011. Risk factors for bleeding peptic ulcers were compared between two groups: an elderly group (≥65 years old) and a nonelderly group (<65 years old). The relationship between drug use and age was examined using multiple logistic regression models. In the elderly group, the factors were compared between Period I (1999-2005) and Period II (2006-2011).

RESULTS

The proportion of men and the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection were lower in the elderly group than in the nonelderly group. The use of low-dose aspirin, antithrombotic drugs and corticosteroids, but not nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, was higher in the elderly group. A multiple logistic regression analysis of prescribed medications indicated that low-dose aspirin was more frequently used in the elderly group. The rate of comorbidities was higher and the hemoglobin levels were lower in the elderly group. The rates of rebleeding within one week and death within one month did not differ in the elderly group. Compared with that observed in Period I, the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection was decreased and the rate of comorbidities was increased in Period II.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that factors related to bleeding peptic ulcers in elderly patients have shifted from Helicobacter pylori infection to comorbidities associated with low-dose aspirin, suggesting a close relationship between low-dose aspirin therapy and comorbidities in elderly patients with peptic ulcers.

Tailored antiplatelet therapy and clinical adverse outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The clinical evidence regarding the influence of tailored antiplatelet strategy on adverse outcomes has been controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of tailored antiplatelet therapy with respect to clinical adverse events in antiplatelet-resistant patients.

METHODS

Randomised studies that assess clinical relevance of personalised antiplatelet treatment in antiplatelet-resistant patients were identified through a literature search: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. The primary endpoint was the composite of death from any cause and stent thrombosis. All total clinical adverse events and bleeding complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Data were combined across seven randomised studies comprising 12 048 subjects, of whom 3738 (31.0%) were found to be antiplatelet-resistant. Antiplatelet-resistant patients provided with tailored antiplatelet therapy showed less risk of death or stent thrombosis than those assigned conventional antiplatelet treatment (0.5% vs. 2.2%; OR (95% CI) 0.25 (0.13 to 0.49), p<0.0001). A significant benefit in terms of total adverse event risk reduction was observed during follow-up for tailored vs conventional antiplatelet therapy (5.5% vs. 10.0%; OR (95% CI) 0.40 (0.20 to 0.77), p=0.006). No statistical difference in bleeding complications was observed between these two groups (p=0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

In the study, personalised antiplatelet treatment for antiplatelet resistance was found to be associated with less occurrence of death or stent thrombosis and the less risk of total clinical adverse events than conventional treatment, without increasing the risk of bleeding complications.

Pharmacogenomics of anti-platelet therapy focused on peripheral blood cells of coronary arterial disease patients

BACKGROUND

To investigate genes differentially expressed in peripheral blood cells (PBCs) from patients with coronary arterial disease (CAD) under double anti-platelet therapy.

METHODS

Twenty-six CAD patients that were submitted to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were selected to participate in this study. These patients took 100mg/day of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and 75mg/day of clopidogrel. Blood samples were collected before PCI to evaluate platelet reactivity using VerifyNow ASA and P2Y12 assays (Accumetrics). The patients were stratified into 4 quartiles based on ASA reaction units (ARUs) and P2Y12 reaction units (PRUs). Quartile 1 (Q1) patients were classified as responders and quartile 4 (Q4) patients as non-responders. Global mRNA expression from Q1 to Q4 was analyzed by microarray using the GeneChip Exon 1.0 ST array (Affymetrix) and was confirmed by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

Patients with ARU or PRU values within the first quartile (Q1, ARU<390 and PRU<151) were considered responders, while those who had ARU or PRU within the fourth quartile (Q4, ARU>467 and PRU>260) were considered nonresponders. The risk factors associated for CAD showed expected frequencies and no difference was found between Q1 and Q4. Microarray analysis identified 117 genes differentially expressed for ASA and 29 for clopidogrel between Q1 and Q4 groups (p<0.01, FC>1.2).

CONCLUSION

The variation in response to ASA may be related with an increased expression of IGF1 and IGF1R, as well as a response to clopidogrel can be affected by pharmacokinetic change related to the reverse transport pathway by increased expression of ABCC3.

Long-term aspirin pretreatment in the prevention of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of long term pretreatment with low-, medium- and high-dose aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) on a model of acute pancreatitis (AP) induced in rats.

METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were used. Three experimental groups, each consisting of eight animals, received low- (5 mg/kg per day), medium- (150 mg/kg per day) and high-dose (350 mg/kg per day) ASA in supplemented pellet chow for 100 d. Eight animals, serving as the AP-control group, and another eight, serving as reference value (RV) group, were fed with standard pellet chow for the same period. After pretreatment, AP was induced in the experimental animals by intraperitoneal administration of cerulein (2 × 50 μg/kg), while the RV group received saline in the same way. Twelve hours after the second injection, the animals were sacrificed. Pancreatic tissue and plasma samples were collected. One part of the collected pancreatic tissues was used for histopathological evaluation, and the remaining portion was homogenized. Cytokine levels [tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6], hemogram parameters, biochemical parameters (amylase and lipase), nuclear factor-κB, aspirin triggered lipoxins and parameters related to the antioxidant system (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, hemeoxygenase-1, catalase and superoxide dismutase) were measured.

RESULTS: Cerulein administration induced mild pancreatitis, characterized by interstitial edema (total histopathological score of 5.88 ± 0.44 vs 0.25 ± 0.16, P < 0.001). Subsequent pancreatic tissue damage resulted in an increase in amylase (2829.71 ± 772.48 vs 984.57 ± 49.22 U/L, P = 0.001) and lipase (110.14 ± 75.84 U/L vs 4.71 ± 0.78 U/L, P < 0.001) in plasma, and leucocytes (6.89 ± 0.48 vs 4.36 ± 0.23, P = 0.001) in peripheral blood. Cytokines, IL-1β (18.81 ± 2.55 pg/μg vs 6.65 ± 0.24 pg/μg, P = 0.002) and IL-6 (14.62 ± 1.98 pg/μg vs 9.09 ± 1.36 pg/μg, P = 0.04) in pancreatic tissue also increased. Aspirin pretreatment reduced the increase in the aforementioned parameters to a certain degree and partially improved the histopathological alterations caused by cerulein. No evidence of side effects related to chronic ASA administration (e.g., inflammation or bleeding) was observed in the gastrointestinal tract in macroscopic and histopathological examination.

CONCLUSION: Long term ASA pretreatment could prevent and/or ameliorate certain hematological, serological and histological alterations caused by cerulein-induced AP.

Relationship between inflammatory markers and new cardiovascular events in patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent primary angioplasty

Introduction:

The determination of inflammation markers in circulation has enabled an important improvement in the study of cardiovascular diseases. It was tested the hypothesis that non-specific markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen may provide prognostic information in patients with acute myocardial infarction with persistent ST-segment elevation (STEMI) undergoing primary angioplasty (PCI).

Methods:

Patients: A cohort of 197 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI was enrolled, evaluating during hospitalization, the peak values of the following markers of inflammation: ESR, CRP and fibrinogen. A telephone follow-up has been made in order to investigate any possible new cardiovascular events after hospital discharge and the procedure performed.

Results:

Higher values of CRP were statistically associated with adverse future events as composite endpoint and with the single endpoint of death. Furthermore, higher age, presence of hypertension, history of previous cardiovascular events, were statistically significantly associated with cardiac events at follow up. In this group were also overrepresented subjects with anterior myocardial infarction in the anterior localization and with an EF ≤ 35% at discharge.

Conclusions:

CRP appears to be a predictor of future cardiovascular events, confirming that a pro-inflammatory state promotes the progression of atherosclerotic disease and its complications.

Simultaneous Determination of Atorvastatin and Aspirin in Human Plasma by LC-MS/MS: Its Pharmacokinetic Application

A simple, rapid, and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectro-metric (LC-MS/MS) assay method has been developed and fully validated for the simultaneous quantification of atorvastatin and aspirin in human plasma using a polarity switch. Proguanil and furosemide were used as the internal standards for the quantification of atorvastatin and aspirin, respectively. The analytes were extracted from human plasma by the liquid-liquid extraction technique using methyl tert-butyl ether. The reconstituted samples were chromatographed on a Zorbax XDB Phenyl column by using a mixture of 0.2% acetic acid buffer, methanol, and acetonitrile (20:16:64, v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Prior to detection, atorvastatin and aspirin were ionized using an ESI source in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The ions were monitored at the positive m/z 559.2→440.0 transition for atorvastatin and the negative m/z 179.0→136.6 transition for aspirin. The calibration curve obtained was linear (r(2) ≥ 0.99) over the concentration range of 0.20-151 ng/mL for atorvastatin and 15.0-3000 ng/mL for aspirin. The method validation was performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. A run time of 3.0 min for each sample made it possible to analyze more than 300 human plasma samples per day. The proposed method was found to be applicable to clinical studies.

Review of HPLC methods and HPLC methods with mass spectrometric detection for direct determination of aspirin with its metabolite(s) in various biological matrices

Aspirin, the most widely used drug in the world, has been known to mankind for over a century. It is not only the pharmacologically active entity, but is also biotransformed into a major metabolite, i.e. salicylic acid, which also exhibits similar pharmacologic/pharmacodynamic properties. Hence it is necessary to quantitate aspirin along with its metabolite(s) in various biological matrices accurately and precisely to correlate with pharmacological/pharmacodynamic activity. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of various bioanalytical methods (HPLC and LC-MS/MS) that have been reported for direct quantitation of aspirin along with its metabolite(s). The review also provides general information on sample collection, sample processing, internal standard selection, conditions for chromatographic separation, succinct validation data and applicable conclusions for reported assays in a structured manner.

Aspirin use is associated with an improved long-term survival in an unselected population presenting with unstable angina

BACKGROUND

Few published data are available on the benefits of aspirin use in patients with unstable angina (UA).

HYPOTHESIS

Aspirin use carries a mortality benefit in a population-based cohort of patients presenting with UA.

METHODS

All residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota presenting to local emergency departments with acute chest pain from January 1985 through December 1992 having symptoms consistent with UA were identified through medical records. A total of 1628 patients were identified with UA and were stratified by aspirin use in-hospital and at discharge. Cardiovascular mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke were assessed over a median of 7.5 years follow-up and all-cause mortality data over a median of 16.7 years. The mean age of patients with UA was 65 years, and 60% were men.

RESULTS

After a median of 7.5 years follow-up, all-cause and cardiovascular-mortality rates were lower among patients prescribed versus not prescribed aspirin on discharge. There were 949 postdischarge deaths over the median follow-up of 16.7 years. After multivariable adjustment, aspirin use at discharge was associated with a lower long-term mortality (hazard ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Aspirin use at hospital discharge following UA is associated with a reduction in long-term mortality. This long-term study extends prior trial results from select populations to a population-based cohort.

The protective effect of salicylic acid on lysozyme against riboflavin-mediated photooxidation

As a metabolite of aspirin in vivo, salicylic acid was proved to protect lysozyme from riboflavin-mediated photooxidation in this study. The antioxidative properties of salicylic acid were further studied by using time-resolved laser flash photolysis of 355 nm. It can quench the triplet state of riboflavin via electron transfer from salicylic acid to the triplet state of riboflavin with a reaction constant of 2.25×10(9) M(-1) s(-1). Mechanism of antioxidant activities of salicylic acid on lysozyme oxidation was discussed. Salicylic acid can serve as a potential antioxidant to quench the triplet state of riboflavin and reduce oxidative pressure.

Epidemiology--found in translation

We highlight the value of carefully designed observational epidemiologic analyses in translating basic science discoveries to clinical application and in providing the impetus for exploring underlying mechanisms for observed associations. Coupling epidemiologic data with an in vitro screen of commonly used therapeutic agents may identify novel applications for further clinical testing.

The causes and outcomes of inadequate implementation of existing guidelines for antiplatelet treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome: the experience from Taiwan Acute Coronary Syndrome Descriptive Registry (T-ACCORD Registry)

BACKGROUND

Benefits of antiplatelet agents in preventing future cardiovascular events have been well established. However, the prescription pattern of antiplatelet usage in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is rarely investigated. Hence, Taiwan ACute CORonary Syndrome Descriptive Registry (T-ACCORD Registry) aimed to evaluate medical practices in Taiwan in managing ACS patients.

HYPOTHESIS

The guidelines of antiplatelet treatment is not properly implanted in the management of ACS patients.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was performed between April 2004 and December 2006 in 27 hospitals in Taiwan. A total of 1331 patients with unstable angina or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) discharged from hospitals was analyzed.

RESULTS

The patients with older age, lower hemoglobin levels, or previous cardiovascular ischemic diseases were less likely to receive aspirin at discharge, whereas patients with NSTEMI were less likely to receive clopidogrel at discharge. The prescription of dual antiplatelet agents declined rapidly from 61.8% at discharge to 12.6% at 12 months. The most common reason for clopidogrel discontinuation was recorded as physician's judgment. Dual antiplatelet treatment for 9 months or longer was associated with lower 1-year mortality. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was the only factor leading to dual antiplatelet therapy for at least 9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our registry showed that underlying medical conditions may affect antiplatelet prescriptions at discharge. During the first year following an ACS episode, the prescription rate of dual antiplatelet therapy declined over time, mainly due to physician's judgment leading to the discontinuation of clopidogrel. Adherence to dual antiplatelet treatment was associated with lower total mortality at 1 year.

Low-dose aspirin is a prominent cause of bleeding ulcers in patients who underwent emergency endoscopy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to clarify the current situation of bleeding peptic ulcers and examined the temporal changes in the pathogenic mechanisms requiring emergency endoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Study subjects were 285 bleeding peptic ulcer patients who received emergency endoscopy in Saga Medical School Hospital between 2000 and 2007. The ratios of H. pylori infection, NSAID use and low-dose aspirin use were analyzed for differences between the two periods by chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors such as patient characteristics that influenced the differences between each period.

RESULTS

A total of 221 (77.5%) patients were identified as H. pylori-positive. One hundred (35.1%) patients reported a history of NSAID use within 4 weeks. Among NSAID users, 41 patients received daily low-dose aspirin. One hundred forty-one patients had bleeding ulcers in 2000-2003 and 144 patients in 2004-2007. The odds ratio (OR) between the periods was 0.806 (95% CI, 0.461-1.409) for H. pylori infection and 1.590 (95% CI, 0.973-2.598) for NSAID usage. In contrast, the proportion of patients who took low-dose aspirin was 9.9% in the first period and 18.8% in the second period, and the difference was statistically significant (OR 2.093; 95% CI, 1.047-4.185). Logistic regression analysis revealed that cardiovascular disease and cerebral vascular disease were associated with aspirin use.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the causes of bleeding ulcers are changing, and the increasing use of low-dose aspirin might become a major cause of bleeding ulcers.

Rapid and sensitive determination of acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid in plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: application to pharmacokinetic study

A simple and sensitive analytical method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for determination of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin, ASA) and its major metabolite, salicylic acid (SA), in animal plasma has been developed and validated. Both ASA and SA in plasma samples containing potassium fluoride were extracted using acetonitrile (protein precipitation) with 0.1% formic acid in it. 6-Methoxysalicylic acid was used as the internal standard (IS). The compounds were separated on a reversed-phase column. The multiple reaction monitoring mode was used with ion transitions of m/z 178.9 --> 136.8, 137.0 --> 93.0 and 167.0 --> 123.0 for ASA, SA and IS, respectively. The lower limits of quantification for ASA and SA were 3 and 30 ng/mL, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied for the evaluation of pharmacokinetics of ASA and SA after p.o. and i.v. administration of 1 mg/kg to rats.

Use of aspirin among diabetics in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: need for reliable randomized evidence and astute clinical judgment

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association Guidelines recommend aspirin for all apparently healthy individuals whose 10-year risk of a first coronary heart disease (CHD) event is >10%.

METHODS

The United States (US) Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recently updated its guidelines to encourage men 45 to 79 years and women 55 to 79 years to use aspirin when the potential benefit outweighs the potential harm. In addition, in some US guidelines, diabetes is considered to be a CHD risk equivalent.

RESULTS

Two recently published trials, the Japanese Primary Prevention of Atherosclerosis with Aspirin for Diabetes (JPAD) and the Prevention of Progression of Arterial Disease and Diabetes (POPADAD), concluded that aspirin did not reduce risks of CHD. Both JPAD and POPADAD had inadequate statistical power. Reliable randomized evidence is necessary to provide a sufficient totality of evidence about benefits and risks among diabetics.

CONCLUSION

At present, astute individual clinical judgments are necessary.

Inhibitory effects of oligopeptides from hen egg white on both human platelet aggregation and blood coagulation

Egg white proteins have many biological functions and substantial nutritional benefits when used as a food source; however, they also contain allergens such as ovalbumin, ovomucoid, and ovotransferrin. We prepared oligopeptides without allergens from hen egg whites via the use of several proteases, and assessed their effects on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation, known to both of which are known to be major risk factors in thrombogenesis. Egg white oligopeptides (EWOP) inhibited collagen-induced human platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we attempted to determine whether cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), aggregation-inhibiting intracellular molecules, regulate EWOP-inhibited platelet aggregation. EWOP caused an increase in cAMP levels, but did not affect cGMP levels, which suggests that the anti-platelet activity of EWOP operates in a cAMP-dependent manner, rather than via a cGMP-dependent process, in collagen-induced platelet aggregation. In addition, EWOP induced a significantly prolonged prothrombin time (PT) as compared with the controls. These data show that EWOP inhibits the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin in a plasmatic atmosphere on an extrinsic pathway. Accordingly, these findings suggest that EWOP may be an excellent candidate as a crucial inhibitor of platelet activation, and its anti-platelet effects appear to involve the inhibition of both platelet aggregation and blood coagulation within the cardiovascular system.

Determination of acetylsalicylic acid and its major metabolite, salicylic acid, in human plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: application to pharmacokinetic study of Astrix in Korean healthy volunteers

The first liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for determination of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin, ASA) and one of its major metabolites, salicylic acid (SA), in human plasma using simvastatin as an internal standard has been developed and validated. For ASA analysis, a plasma sample containing potassium fluoride was extracted using a mixture of ethyl acetate and diethyl ether in the presence of 0.5% formic acid. SA, a major metabolite of ASA, was extracted from plasma using protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The compounds were separated on a reversed-phase column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid (8:2, v/v). The ion transitions recorded in multiple reaction monitoring mode were m/z 179 --> 137, 137 --> 93 and 435 --> 319 for ASA, SA and IS, respectively. The coefficient of variation of the assay precision was less than 9.3%, and the accuracy exceeded 86.5%. The lower limits of quantification for ASA and SA were 5 and 50 ng/mL, respectively. The developed assay method was successfully applied for the evaluation of pharmacokinetics of ASA and SA after single oral administration of Astrix (entero-coated pellet, 100 mg of aspirin) to 10 Korean healthy male volunteers.

National mortality following upper gastrointestinal or cardiovascular events in older veterans with recent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal events (UGIE), myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) are known morbidities among recent NSAID users.

AIM

To assess all-cause mortality following UGIE, MI or CVA among recent NSAID users.

METHODS

Veterans >65 prescribed an NSAID at any Veterans Affairs (VA) facility were identified using prescription fill data and their records linked to a merged VA-Medicare database. Each person-day was assessed for NSAID, coxib or proton pump inhibitor (PPI) exposure. Incidence density ratios and hazard rates of death were calculated following UGIE, MI and CVA adjusting for demographics, co-morbidity, prescription channeling, geographic location and pharmacological covariates.

RESULTS

Among 474 495 patients [97.8% male; 85.3% white; 73.9 years (s.d. 5.6)], death followed at a rate of 5.5 per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 5.4-5.6) post-UGIE, 17.7 per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 17.5-17.9) post-MI and 21.8 per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 21.6-22.0) post-CVA. CVA was associated with greatest risk of death [hazard ratio (HR) 12.4; 95% CI: 10.9-14.3] followed by MI (HR 10.7; 95% CI: 9.2-11.6) and UGIE (HR 3.3; 95% CI: 2.8-3.9). Predictors of mortality were advancing age and co-morbidity, increased use of coxibs and failure to ensure adequate gastroprotection.

CONCLUSION

Among elderly veterans with recent NSAID use, an UGIE, MI or CVA is a clinically relevant premorbid event.

Therapy with statins and aspirin enhances long-term outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention

Aspirin is the standard therapy applied after coronary intervention, and statins are also prescribed to prevent secondary coronary heart disease. We assessed the ability of a combination of statins and aspirin to improve the longterm prognosis of patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We collected data from 575 consecutive patients who underwent PCI. The patients were divided into groups depending on the presence or absence of statin or aspirin therapy as follows: both statin and aspirin (Group B: n = 190; 33%); aspirin only (Group A: n = 236; 41.1%); statin only (Group S: n = 53; 9.2%S); neither drug (Group N: n = 96; 16.7%). Data were statistically assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model for multivariate analysis with adjustment of baseline convariates. Sixty-eight patients died during follow-up (11 +/- 3 years). Multivariate analysis showed that compared with group N, both groups S and A were independent predictors for survival from all causes [group S: hazards ratio (HR) 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10-0.81, P = 0.019; group A: HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.17-0.56, P < 0.0001] and cardiovascular (CV) death (group S: HR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.73, P = 0.018; group A: HR 0.12, 95% CI 0.05-0.30, P < 0.001). risk for all causes and CV death was significantly lower in Group B (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.12-0.53, P < 0.0001 and HR 0.10, 95% CI 0.03-0.31, P < 0.0001, respectively). Therapy with statins plus aspirin improves long-term clinical outcome in patients after PCI.

Stroke and its prevention in chronic kidney disease

This is a review of stroke mechanisms and management. The concept of stroke and transient ischemic attack and the recently proposed revision in definitions and controversies are discussed. We also discuss the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs for stroke due to carotid and cardiac disease.

Aspirin use among U.S. adults: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

BACKGROUND

The role of aspirin in prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular complications among people with diabetes has been examined. A Healthy People 2010 objective calls for increasing the proportion of people with diabetes aged>or=40 years who take aspirin>or=15 times per month.

METHODS

Data from 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to examine (1) the prevalence of aspirin intake, (2) aspirin use among those with CVD, (3) aspirin use among those with diabetes, (4) current status with respect to Healthy People objective 5-16, and (5) changes in aspirin intake from 1999.

RESULTS

Daily or every-other-day aspirin use was reported by 36.2% of participants in 2003. Aspirin intake among those with CVD and diabetes was 82.8% and 62.6%, respectively. The Healthy People 2010 objective of increasing the proportion of adults with diabetes aged>or=40 years who take aspirin to 30% was achieved. The prevalence of aspirin intake was higher in 2003 compared to 1999 among all participants, those with CVD, and those with diabetes (relative increase of about 20%, 12%, and 36%, respectively). Most participants (74%) reported cardiovascular reasons for aspirin use. Among those without CVD or diabetes, the prevalence of aspirin intake increased with the increasing number of CVD risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular aspirin use increased over a 4-year period. Greater use of inexpensive and easily accessible interventions to prevent cardiovascular events is encouraging. Increased efforts to continue preventive uses of available treatment and reduction in risk by modifying other risk factors will help lower future disease burden.

Impact of aspirin treatment on long-term outcome (over 10 years) after percutaneous coronary intervention

Aspirin has been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, its effects on long-term (over 10 years) mortality have not been fully elucidated. This retrospective study recorded the patient characteristics and admission medication for all patients undergoing PCI over an 8-year period from 1984 to 1992. Follow-up information was available for 748 patients (100%) for a mean of 143.6 +/- 43.4 months. A propensity analysis was performed to adjust for presumed selection biases in the administration of aspirin. The baseline clinical characteristics were similar between the group that received aspirin and the group that did not, except for the administration of statins and PCI procedural success rate. Of the 748 patients, 535 (71.5%) received aspirin treatment at the time of PCI. During the 12-year follow-up, 54 patients died from any cause and 20 patients from cardiac death. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that aspirin treatment led to a significant reduction in all cause mortality (10% versus 16.4%; P = 0.01) and cardiac death (3.7% versus 8.0%; P = 0.02) compared to other antiplatelet drugs. The hazard ratio (HR) for the total mortality and cardiac mortality rates was adjusted using the Cox-proportional hazard model for confounding variables and propensity score. The all cause (HR, 0.49; 95%CI [0.29-0.80], P = 0.005) and cardiac mortality rates (HR, 0.32; 95%CI [0.14-0.72], P = 0.006) for patients receiving aspirin remained lower than for those not receiving aspirin. Aspirin treatment at the time of PCI significantly reduced the risk of death from any cause and cardiac death. The administration of aspirin had a positive impact on the over 10-year long-term outcomes of patients who underwent PCI.

Relation of the prothrombotic state to increasing age (from the Framingham Offspring Study)

A greater life expectancy has led to an increasing proportion of elderly patients. Increasing age is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but the mechanism of risk is not well understood. Because thrombosis plays a key role in plaque development and the onset of acute coronary syndromes, the age-related increase in cardiovascular risk may be a result of a prothrombotic imbalance. The study aim was to examine the relation between age and thrombotic potential in the Framingham Offspring Cohort. Hemostatic factors previously associated with cardiovascular risk were measured in 3,230 patients (55% women) without evidence of cardiovascular disease who were participating in cycle 5 of the Framingham Offspring Study. The subjects were divided by age into decades. Advancing age was associated with a significant increase in fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor levels and measures of impaired fibrinolytic potential (plasminogen activator inhibitor and tissue plasminogen activator antigens). For men, the mean fibrinogen levels were 21% higher in those > or =70 years versus those aged <40 years (326 vs 268 mg/dl, p <0.001 for linear trend). The mean fibrinogen levels were 15% higher in older than in younger women (330 vs 286 mg/dl, p <0.001). The significant relations persisted after multivariate adjustment. In conclusion, advancing age is associated with elevated levels of hemostatic factors indicative of a prothrombotic state. Because these factors are also associated with endothelial dysfunction, these findings are consistent with an injurious effect of age on the endothelium. Measures to reduce thrombotic potential may be of particular value in the elderly, because they counter the prothrombotic state that develops with aging.

Antithrombotic Properties of the Thromboxane A2/Prostaglandin H2 Receptor Antagonist S18886 on Prevention of Platelet-Dependent Cyclic Flow Reductions in Dogs

A potent thromboxane A2/PGH2 (TP)-receptor antagonist, S18886, was evaluated for its antithrombotic property in a dog model of acute periodic platelet-mediated thrombosis in stenosed coronary arteries with endothelial damage. After thrombosis had been obtained in 11 dogs, S18886 (300 microg/kg bolus) was administered IV. Heart rate, systemic blood pressure, and coronary blood flow were continuously recorded. Ex vivo whole blood platelet aggregation (PA), blood pH, hematocrit, platelet count, PO2, PCO2, and bleeding times were measured before and 30 minutes after administration of S18886. S18886 completely inhibited thrombosis in all dogs in approximately 5-10 minutes. No change in heart rate, blood pressure, pH, PO2, PCO2, platelet count, or bleeding time and a slight but significant elevation in hematocrit occurred. Infusion of epinephrine IV after complete inhibition of thrombosis by S18886 partially restored thrombosis in 3 of the 11 dogs. PA induced by collagen (4 microg/mL), collagen (0.25 microg/mL) plus epinephrine (1 microg/mL), collagen (1 microg/mL) plus epinephrine (1 microg/mL), ADP (40 microM) plus epinephrine (1 microg/mL), and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (0.5 nM) were attenuated by 90 +/- 8% (P < 0.005), 98 +/- 2% (P < 0.05), 78 +/- 6% (P < 0.005), 70 +/- 10% (P < 0.005), and 28 +/- 8% (P < 0.05), respectively. In conclusion, S18886 is a potent platelet inhibitor that attenuates in vivo platelet-dependent thrombosis in the experimental dog model and reduces ex vivo platelet aggregation.

The role of aspirin in cardiovascular diseases – forgotten benefits?

The increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases in developed, as well as developing countries, underscores the need for the more widespread and appropriate use of aspirin in secondary prevention of occlusive vascular events during acute evolving myocardial infarction (MI) and in primary prevention. Aspirin should be far more widely used in a wide range of patients who have suffered a prior occlusive vascular event and in all patients suffering acute MI or occlusive stroke. Finally, in primary prevention, aspirin should be considered for individuals whose 10-year risks of a coronary event are > or = 10%, as an adjunct not alternative to the management of other risk factors. The more widespread and appropriate use of aspirin will avoid many premature deaths in secondary prevention and MIs in primary prevention.

Aspirin in cardiovascular disorders. What is the optimum dose?

Clinical trials of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) for cardiovascular disorders have employed doses defined for other pharmacological effects of the drug (such as analgesic effects). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms with different dose-response relationships may contribute to the clinical effect of aspirin in cardiovascular disease. The optimal aspirin dose remains uncertain. Although the difference between 325 mg/day and 81 mg/day of aspirin sounds trivial, finding an optimal aspirin dose has enormous potential to reduce ischemic events. Large aspirin doses have not been associated with proportionally greater benefit. For patients with ischemic heart disease, overall consensus defines a range between 75 and 160 mg/day for the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular death. Any benefit of aspirin must be measured against its adverse effects, principally gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The potential for adverse bleeding events may be lower with a 81mg dose, while maintaining clinical benefit. Although current aggregate data is reassuring about aspirin administration, it is increasingly clear that existing aspirin studies are insufficient to conclusively determine an optimal aspirin dose. Platelets can be activated by pathways that are not blocked by aspirin, and the dose of aspirin needed to fully suppress platelet aggregation may be higher in some patients as a result. Higher doses of aspirin than are currently used (75-325 mg/day) may be required in these patients to achieve desired antithrombotic effects. Better understanding of aspirin-resistant populations will facilitate identification of patients who require higher aspirin doses or alternative forms of antiplatelet therapy.