Oral administration of glycine in the prevention of restenosis after coronary angioplasty. A double blind placebo controlled randomized feasibility trial evaluating safety and efficacy of glycine in the prevention of restenosis after angioplasty.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of safety, feasibility, and efficacy of oral administered glycine in prevention of angiographic restenosis six months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).


BACKGROUND
The amino acid glycine modulates immunological response and enhances the production of endothelial derived nitric oxide (EDNO) factor. This factor has been shown to possess anti-atherosclerotic properties, actions of which are thought to reduce neo-intimal hyperplasia. Furthermore, glycine significantly elevates arginine serum levels. This amino acid has been extensively studied for its effects on the endothelium, nitric oxide (NO) metabolism and effects on several biochemical pathways interfering with the process of restenosis after PCI.


METHODS
A prospective double blind placebo controlled randomized study evaluated safety and feasibility of chronic oral administration of glycine. In addition, the efficacy was determined by evaluation of six months angiographic restenosis rates.


RESULTS
214 patients scheduled for elective PCI were randomized to receive glycine or placebo. At follow-up, there was no significant difference in side effects and in major adverse cardiac events (MACE) between both groups. Six-month angiograms revealed similar restenosis rates for the glycine group (17.5%) and for the placebo group (20.2%) (P = 0.82).


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic oral administration of glycine was safe and feasible and had similar side effects compared to placebo. However, chronic oral administration of glycine did not lead to a significant reduction in restenosis rates at six months after elective PCI.
Khan
Muchtiar
M
Amsterdam Department of Interventional Cardiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Ron Van Der Wieken
L
L
Riezebos
Robert K
RK
Tijssen
Jan G P
JG
Kiemeneij
Ferdinand
F
Slagboom
Ton
T
Laarman
Gert-Jan
GJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005998:Glycine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018684:Glycine Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018684:Glycine Agents; D005998:Glycine