The Effect of Ticagrelor on 15-Epi-Lipoxin A4 and Inflammation

Ticagrelor and clopidogrel are FDA-approved drugs for inhibition of platelet hyper-reactivity in certain clinical situations. The platelet inhibition and patient outcomes (PLATO) trial showed that in patients with acute coronary syndromes, ticagrelor significantly reduced the primary endpoint (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke), all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality compared to clopidogrel. It has been suggested that in addition to its anti-platelet effects, ticagrelor has additional unique effects, including anti-inflammatory effects that are not shared by clopidogrel. In the present study the investigators will assess whether ticagrelor, as compared to clopidogrel, increases serum levels of 15-epi-lipoxin A4, a potent endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator.