![Large peridevice leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) are incredibly rare and not associated with a greater risk of adverse outcomes, according to new research published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.[1] Smaller residual links are more common, however, and associated with a risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events.](/sites/default/files/styles/top_stories/public/2018-08/olderpatient-doctor.jpg.webp?itok=Cv18wcDr)
Sarpogrelate, a common antiplatelet medication, may provide additional value as a low-cost heart failure treatment, according to new findings presented at the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2021.
The FDA-approved medication, sold under the name Anplag, was one of many medications the researchers considered for their research.
“Heart failure costs the United States billions each year in treatment, management, health care costs and missed days of work,” lead researcher Kana Shimizu, MS, BSPharm, a PhD student at the University of Shizuoka in Japan, said in a prepared statement. “Additionally, the cost of new drug development increases every year. We investigated whether existing, approved medicines could be repurposed as heart failure treatments at lower costs.”
Shimizu et al. tested the effect of sarpogrelate on mice in two different ways. First, cultured cardiomyocyte cells were treated with sarpogrelate and then stimulated to encourage cell growth. In the cells treated with sarpogrelate, the team found, cardiomyocyte hypotrophy was suppressed.
Mice then underwent transverse aortic constriction, a procedure known to induce cardiac hypertrophy, and some mice were then treated with sarpogrelate once the procedure was complete. Mice given a 5 mg/kg dose of sarpogrelate every day for eight weeks after the procedure were significantly less likely to develop heart failure.
“These findings suggest that oral administration of this approved antiplatelet medication significantly suppresses cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the development of heart failure in mice,” Shimizu added. “Sarpogrelate may be an effective, low-cost agent for heart failure therapy, however, more research is needed to understand the mechanisms of this medication and the protein or proteins it targets to inhibit the thickening of the cardiac cells.”
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.