International Journal of Cardiology 94 (2004) 121 – 122 www.elsevier.com/locate/ijcard
Letter to the Editor
Specific glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists and inflammation E. Ercan * Department of Cardiology, Central Hospital Institute, 1644 sk. NO: 2/2 Bayrakli, Izmir 35000, Turkey
Acute coronary syndromes and coronary balloon angioplasty (PTCA) are associated with increased coagulatory and inflammatory activity [1– 6]. The levels of cytokines and chemokines, which are released to inflammatory response, can be used to evaluate the severity of inflammation. C-reactive protein, soluble adhesion molecules, and interleukins are some of the important markers of inflammation [7]. The main effect of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors is their strong anti-platelet effect, which has been clinically proven in large-scale randomised trials [8 –12]. Recent studies have indicated that glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist treatment can decrease inflammatory activity [13]. But it is not clear that this beneficial effect is restricted to nonspecific glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers. There are two reports with specific glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists that describe anti-inflammatory effect in unstable angina (Tirofiban) and after PTCA (Eptifibatide) [14,15]. Different effect mechanisms may explain the anti-inflammatory effect of specific glycoprotein Ib/IIIa antagonists.
1. Platelet activation and inflammation Platelet activation can increase inflammation through multiple mechanisms. Inflammatory proteins such as pselectin (CD62p), CD40p, PAF, MCP-1, IL-1, thrombospondin and fibronectin are rapidly expressed from activated platelets. Products of platelet activation may aid neutrophil accumulation at inflammatory sites. Activated leukocytes and platelets potentiate each others effects [16 – 20]. Specific glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists strongly suppress the activation of platelets by specific blockade of the fibrinogen binding receptor [21 –23]. The decreased platelet activation can suppress the chemokine and adhesion molecule expression. The relationship between inflammation and coagulation system may be mediated through the surface protein and cytokine production.
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2. Conclusion Specific glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors may show antiinflammatory effect via decreased platelet activation. Crossreactivity is not the unique mechanism that explains antiinflammatory effect of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists.
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