A drug commonly used to treat angina may have applications for stroke patients, a new study suggests.
Researchers have identified that its anti-inflammatory and ability to reduce atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels could help to reduces the risk of stroke or heart-attack.
Currently, circulatory diseases are the leading cause of death in Europe, accounting for an estimated 37 per cent of deaths per year.
It’s been shown that chronic inflammation in the arteries leads to the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques (deposits in the blood vessels.)
The MedUni Vienna research group led by Walter Speidl and Philipp Hohensinner have now demonstrated for the first time that a reduction in intracellular sodium concentration inhibits the important inflammatory modulator NF-kappa-B.
The drug ranolazine has long been used to relieve the symptoms of angina pectoris. However, it also inhibits the uptake of sodium into cells.
Johann Wojta, head of the Cardiology Research Laboratory at the Medical University of Vienna, and co-author of the study said: “In this publication, we used research involving cell culture, animal models and a large-scale human study to identify a new mechanism for inhibiting inflammation in atherosclerosis. We now have evidence that an established drug not only commits the symptoms of angina but can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.”
The study used data provided by Harvard Medical School, this anti-inflammatory effect was demonstrated in 6,500 patients who had suffered myocardial infarction.
It was discovered that treatment with ranolazine results in lower levels of the inflammatory and cardiovascular risk marker ‘high-sensitivity C-reactive protein’ compared to placebo.
Max Lenz, lead author of the study said: “We have now been able to show that ranolazine is not only effective against symptoms. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces atherosclerotic plaques in our mouse models.
“These plaques also become more stable, potentially significantly reducing the risk of heart attack.”
Ranolazine has already been approved as a safe drug for patients with coronary heart disease and furthermore, leads to a reduction in chronic vascular inflammation.
