Effect of the Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitor Tirofiban on Concentrations of Whole Blood Choline in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background Whole blood choline (WBCHO) concentrations reflect phospholipase D activation pathways involved in coronary plaque vulnerability and platelet activation suppressed by glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor (GP IIb/IIIa) inhibitors, but it is unknown whether this treatment affects serial WBCHO levels. Methods We performed a retrospective matched pairs analysis of 32 patients with acute coronary syndrome treated either with standard therapy alone or with tirofiban plus standard therapy with serial measurements of WBCHO. Results The median level of choline decreased after 4 to 6 hours in the tirofiban group (21.2 μmol/L) while the median level in the group without tirofiban increased (29.3 μmol/L) and WBCHO was significantly lower in tirofiban treated patients ( P =0.039). Over time, the decrease of WBCHO was significant in the tirofiban group only ( P =0.006). Conclusions Our results suggest that in patients with acute coronary syndrome, tirofiban treatment is associated with a significant reduction of WBCHO concentration.