Homocysteine levels and platelet reactivity in coronary artery disease patients treated with Ticagrelor

Abstract Background Recurrent atherothrombotic events have been reported in certain higher risk subsets of patients even with ticagrelor, a potent first-line antiplatelet agent for the management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known determinant of platelet function abnormalities. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of homocysteine (Hcy) levels on platelet reactivity in patients receiving Ticagrelor. Methods Patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization and on dual antiplatelet therapy with ASA + Ticagrelor (90mg/twice a day) were scheduled for platelet function assessment 30-90 days post-discharge. Aggregation tests were performed by Multiple Electrode Aggregometry (MEA). Suboptimal platelet inhibition (HRPR-high residual platelet reactivity was defined if above the lower limit of normality (417 AU*min). Results We included 432 patients, divided according to Hcy tertiles. Higher Hcy levels were associated with age, renal failure, creatinine levels and use diuretics (p Patients with higher Hcy levels displayed a higher platelet reactivity at COL test (p=0.002), and ADP test (p=0.04), with a linear relationship between Hcy and platelet aggregation after stimulation with collagen (r=0.202, p However, Hcy levels did not significantly affect the rate of HRPR with Ticagrelor (9.9% vs 13.7% vs 10.7%, p=0.89; adjusted OR[95%CI] = [0.616-1.51], p=0.99). Conclusions Among patients with ACS, despite the elevated platelet reactivity associated to hyperhomocysteinemia, the DAPT with ticagrelor could overcome such phenomenon, achieving an adequate platelet inhibition in the majority of the patients.