Anti-atherogenic effects of anti-platelet agents (Version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of anti-platelet drugs on the level of circulating monocyte-platelet aggregates and on monocyte phenotype in patients with silent atherosclerosis
IRAS ID
182166
Contact name
Albert Ferro
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection or other types of irritation, whose purpose is to fight off foreign substances and to promote healing. When inflammation affects blood vessels, it promotes atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing, or “clogging up” of the arteries), which may lead to heart attacks and strokes. There is a group of white blood cells, ‘monocytes’, which is strongly linked to inflammation and atherosclerosis.
In our previous research, we have found a certain type of monocyte that worsens inflammation and atherosclerosis of the blood vessels. We also found that aspirin and clopidogrel, which are drugs that are widely used clinically to prevent heart attacks and strokes, can prevent these monocytes from forming when given to healthy people.
We wish to investigate whether aspirin or clopidogrel can reduce the formation of inflammatory monocytes in patients who are at risk of developing atherosclerosis. In this way, we will be able to better understand the treatment options available to us that can improve the care of patients with atherosclerosis and the prevention of heart disease. Patients will be recruited from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals. Ultrasound scans of the major blood vessels in the neck, the carotid arteries, will be carried out. Eligible patients will be those who have increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), which signifies mild atherosclerosis, or plaque disease, which signifies moderate atherosclerosis.
Patients with plaque disease will be randomly assigned to receive either clopidogrel or aspirin for 3 months, while patients with IMT >1mm but without carotid plaques will be recruited into the placebo arm.Blood samples will be taken to assess markers of inflammation and platelet activity. Patients will also undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the carotid arteries at baseline and post-treatment, for the study of atherosclerotic plaque features.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1974
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion