title: Effect of tirofiban on C-reactive protein in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  C-reactive protein (CRP) is a prototypic marker of inflammation. The effect of tirofiban on CRP levels in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) was investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study was prospective and randomized. Patients with NSTEMI received aspirin, clopidogrel, statin, and unfractionated heparin. Patients with NSTEMI were enrolled into either the tirofiban + heparin group (group 1: n = 25) or the heparin group (group 2: n = 32). Levels of CRP were determined at baseline and after 48 and 72 hours. Heparin and tirofiban were discontinued after 48 hours.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Levels CRP of were similar in two groups at baseline; they increased significantly at 48 hours and 72 hours in the control group but not in the tirofiban group. The differences on and after treatment were statistically significant. In group 1, CRP elevation was attenuated after tirofiban infusion compared with group 2.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Products of platelet activation may aid neutrophil accumulation and enhance inflammation. Activated leukocytes and platelets potentate each others' effects. Tirofiban strongly inhibits the platelet aggregation. The decreased platelet aggregation can suppress the inflammatory protein, chemokine, and adhesion molecule expression. After the tirofiban infusion, CRP elevation was atteunated in patients with NSTEMI.
authors.affiliation: Central Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Bayrakli-Izmir, Turkey. ertugrulercan@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ertugrul
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ercan
authors.forename: Istemihan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tengiz
authors.forename: Can
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Duman
authors.forename: O Alper
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Onbasili
authors.forename: Nezihi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Baris
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood*; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000077466:Tirofiban; D014443:Tyrosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex; D014443:Tyrosine; D006493:Heparin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D000077466:Tirofiban