Sarpogrelate treatment reduces restenosis after coronary stenting

Abstract Background Sarpogrelate, a serotonin blocker, has been reported to inhibit the serotonin-induced proliferation of rat aortic smooth muscle cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sarpogrelate reduces restenosis after coronary stenting as a result of prevention of intimal hyperplasia. Methods We examined 79 patients with stable angina undergoing elective coronary stenting on de novo lesions of native coronary arteries in a prospective, randomized trial. All enrolled patients received aspirin and ticlopidine, and one third of the patients were assigned to receive oral sarpogrelate. Results Treatment with sarpogrelate in addition to aspirin and ticlopidine caused no major adverse cardiovascular events or hemorrhagic adverse effects during the 6-month follow-up period. The restenosis rate in the group of patients receiving sarpogrelate was 4.3%, which was significantly lower than the 28.6% rate found in the group of patients not receiving sarpogrelate. Conclusions Sarpogrelate treatment reduces restenosis after coronary stenting, which suggests that serotonin released from activated platelets may play an important role in stent restenosis. (Am Heart J 2003:145:e16.)