Effect of tirofiban on C-reactive protein in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
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.
Ercan
Ertugrul
E
Central Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Bayrakli-Izmir, Turkey. ertugrulercan@yahoo.com
Tengiz
Istemihan
I
Duman
Can
C
Onbasili
O Alper
OA
Baris
Nezihi
N
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*
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex; D014443:Tyrosine; D006493:Heparin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D000077466:Tirofiban