beraprost and Cerebral-Infarction

Prostacyclin (PGI2) inhibits platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. PGI2 synthase (PTGIS), a catalyst of PGI2 synthesis from prostaglandin H2, is widely distributed and predominantly found in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The PTGIS gene is localized to 20q13.11-13 and a candidate gene for cardiovascular disease. We discovered mutations and polymorphisms in this gene and reported that they were associated with essential hypertension, myocardial infarction, and cerebral infarction. These results suggest that PGI2 function depends on the different alleles of the PTGIS gene and that they may influence the risk of cardiovascular disease. Thus, individualized management strategies, such as the administration of PGI2 analogues, could be selected for variants of this gene, to help prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Animals; Base Sequence; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cerebral Infarction; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Epoprostenol; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Sequence Data; Mutation; Myocardial Infarction; Patient Selection; Pedigree; Phenotype; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Polymorphism, Genetic; Precision Medicine; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents

Beraprost sodium (BPS, an analogue of prostacyclin) and telmisartan (TS, an angiotensin receptor blocker) have been reported to have a preventive effect on arterial stiffness in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of a combined therapy using BPS and TS on arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV) values in elderly patients with hypertension and cerebral infarction. Over a 3-month period, 80 subjects with hypertension and histories of cerebral infarction received BPS only (120 microg/day p.o.), TS only (40 mg/day p.o.), both BPS and TS, or no medication at all (control). Arterial PWV and ankle brachial indices (ABI) were determined prior to and after 3 months of drug administration. During the follow-up, there were no significant changes in any of the parameters monitored with the exception of a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure in the BPS only, TS only, and BPS plus TS groups when compared to controls. The difference values for PWV in the control group, BPS only group, TS only group, and BPS plus TS group were +232.5, -114.6, -151.5, and -248.1 cm/s, respectively. The reduction values were significantly more pronounced in the BPS plus TS group than in the BPS only (P=0.037) and the TS only (P=0.022) groups. When BPS is combined with TS, an overall additive effect is seen in the improvement of PWV in Japanese patients with hypertension and cerebral infarction. This combination therapy is more beneficial than the corresponding monotherapies.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; Arteriosclerosis; Benzimidazoles; Benzoates; Blood Flow Velocity; Cerebral Infarction; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epoprostenol; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Telmisartan; Treatment Outcome

Prostacyclin (PGI(2)) inhibits platelet aggregation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and vasoconstriction. Arterial stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) predicts mortality in various cardiovascular diseases. To study the preventive effects of a prostacyclin analogue, beraprost sodium, on arterial PWV values in elderly patients with cerebral infarction. Forty-four patients with a history of cerebral infarction received beraprost sodium (120 microg/day p.o.) or no beraprost sodium (control) for 3 months. Arterial PWV and ankle brachial indices (ABI) were determined prior to starting the medication and after 3 months of medication. Initially, there were no differences in age, blood pressure, and body mass index. Further, PWV or ABI did not differ between the beraprost sodium group (n = 22) and the control group (n = 22). After 3 months, PWV in beraprost sodium group was significantly reduced (-123 +/- 282) when compared with the control group (147 +/- 274)(P = 0.006). ABI was not significantly different when comparing the two groups at 3 months. Long-term administration of beraprost sodium prevents the decline in arterial biomechanics in elderly patients with cerebral infarction.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arteriosclerosis; Cerebral Infarction; Disease Progression; Double-Blind Method; Epoprostenol; Female; Humans; Male

BACKGROUND To investigate the combination of beraprost sodium (BPS) and aspirin in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). MATERIAL AND METHODS 308 patients with acute cerebral infarction were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (n=154), treated with BPS (40 μg, tid) and aspirin (100 mg, qd); control group (n=154), treated with 100 mg of aspirin, qd). The antiplatelet therapy remained unchangeable until six months after hospital discharge. RESULTS Initially, no significant differences were found between the two groups. After six months, the relapse-free survival rate was similar between the treatment group (98.1%) and the control group (97.4%). One patient died from AIS in the control group. However, glomerular filtration rate was significantly higher; neurological function and functional ability of patients were better in patients treated with BPS plus aspirin (experimental group) than that in aspirin alone group. No significant difference was found in the function of the coagulation system, suggesting that BPS plus aspirin treatment did not increase the risk of bleeding. Serious adverse events did not occur in both groups. Facial flushing (one case) and mild gastrointestinal reaction (one case) were found in the treatment group without influencing treatment. CONCLUSIONS In our trial involving patients with acute cerebral infarction, BPS plus aspirin was not found to be superior to aspirin in reducing the recurrence of cerebral infarction or death. However, BPS plus aspirin treatment could improve renal function and neurological function without increasing the risk of bleeding.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aspirin; Brain Ischemia; Cerebral Infarction; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epoprostenol; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Ischemia; Male; Middle Aged; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Stroke; Treatment Outcome