The discovery of aspirin's antithrombotic effects.
Aspirin has long been established as a useful analgesic and antipyretic. Even in ancient times, salicylate-containing plants such as the willow were commonly used to relieve pain and fever. In the 20th century, scientists discovered many details of aspirin's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, including its molecular mechanism of action. In addition, the latter half of the century brought reports that daily, low doses of aspirin could prevent myocardial infarction and stroke. This finding was first reported by Lawrence Craven, a suburban general practitioner in Glendale, California. Unfortunately, Craven's work went largely unnoticed, and decades passed before his observations were verified by clinical trial. We present Craven's story, which demonstrates the value of a single physician's commitment to lifelong learning. In addition, we summarize the work of the physicians and scientists who discovered the molecular mechanisms by which aspirin exerts its antiplatelet effects. Collectively, these discoveries exemplify the complementary roles of basic science and clinical observation in advancing medicine.
Miner
Jonathan
J
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA. jonathan-miner@ouhsc.edu
Hoffhines
Adam
A
D000818:Animals; D001241:Aspirin / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001363:Awards and Prizes; D002140:California; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000266:history* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020521:Stroke / Q000266:history* / Q000517:prevention & control
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin