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Biomedical subjects

J Fareed

Publications and source records attributed to J Fareed.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Selectins in the HIT syndrome: pathophysiologic role and therapeutic modulation.

The pathophysiology of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is now known to be a complex process which involves platelets, vascular endothelium, and leukocytes. The activation products from these sites also contribute to the activation of coagulation and to the fibrinolytic deficit. While many of the markers of hemostatic activation processes have been found to be at increased levels during acute phases of the HIT syndromes, the circulating levels of soluble P-, E-, and L- selectins have not been reported. Since the pathophysiology of HIT involves the activation of platelets, endothelium, and leukocytes, it is expected that activation products related to these hemostatic systems, including soluble selectins, will also be increased in circulating blood. These alterations may provide an index of the pathophysiologic process. With the availability of highly sensitive ELISAs for soluble P-, E-, and L-selectins, it is now possible to measure these adhesion molecules in biological fluids. This study reports on the circulating levels of P-, E-, and L-selectins in HIT patients and their modulation after therapeutic intervention. With the availability of recombinant hirudin, it is now possible to provide alternate anticoagulants to HIT patients. However, the immunoactivation of platelets and other cells may require additional adjunct therapeutic approaches.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of two PF4/heparin ELISA assays for the laboratory diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Serum samples from 105 patients with suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) were evaluated using the 14C-serotonin release assay (SRA), considered the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of HIT, and two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) that measure anti-platelet factor (PF) 4/heparin antibodies to determine the performance characteristics of the newly available ELISA assays. Relative to the SRA, the sensitivity and specificity of the Asserachrom HPIA assay were 73% and 77%, respectively, in this population of patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the GTI-HAT assay were 60% and 93%, respectively. In serum negative by SRA, GTI-HAT and HPIA detected antibodies in 9% and 25%, respectively. Antibodies were detected by HPIA in 18% of the sera negative by both SRA and GTI-HAT. In a second study, samples evaluated from patients (n = 10) treated for established thrombosis with a low-molecular-weight heparin and who had no decrease in platelet counts, showed a weak antibody titer in 50% of the patients after 12 days of therapy by GTI-HAT, whereas the HPIA identified a strong antibody titer in 75% of the patients after 4 days. These data suggest that the currently available ELISA methods for the detection of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies offer a limited sensitivity and specificity in comparison to SRA. The ELISA assays on their own are thus of limited value for the laboratory diagnosis of HIT. SRA-positive sera do not always have positive antibody titers, and antibodies can be present in SRA-negative sera. Furthermore, these data show that ELISA methods differ in their relative sensitivities and specificities for the detection of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: the role of platelet activation and therapeutic implications.

In the past, heparin has been the sole anticoagulant for interventional cardiovascular procedures. Today, several alternate approaches to anticoagulate patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are under consideration. Antiplatelet drugs, such as the ADP receptor antagonists and inhibitors of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, are currently in development. We investigated the effect of two anti-platelet agents on platelet activation induced by HIT serum (n = 5 HIT positive sera, n = 5 HIT negative sera and n = 4 donor platelets) and heparin, using the traditional platelet aggregation assay, a Lumi-aggregation assay to also determine platelet release, and flow cytometry. By all methods, the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor-GPI 562 (Novartis; Nürnberg, Germany)-produced a concentration dependent (6.25 to 125 ng/mL) decrease in platelet activation, as shown by platelet aggregation, platelet microparticle formation, P-selectin expression, and ATP release. Similar results were obtained with the thienopyridine ADP receptor antagonist ticlopidine (Sanofi Recherche; Toulouse, France) in vitro at high concentrations of 5.0 to 50 microg/mL and ex vivo in a patient dosed at 250 mg/day. These studies show that GP IIb/IIIa and ADP receptor inhibitors can block platelet activation induced by HIT serum/heparin, providing evidence that the mechanism of HIT may be multifactorial involving not only the generation of the heparin-PF4 or other antibodies but also involving platelet-specific processes and, potentially, the generation of proaggregatory substances. The new antiplatelet agents may be useful in the clinical management of HIT patients.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1999

Clinical experience with combined treatment of thrombin inhibitors and GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients with HIT.

Despite the use of potent anticoagulants such as r-hirudin and argatroban, the morbidity/mortality of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) patients remains high. In the last several months, we have treated three HIT-positive patients with a combined therapy of thrombin inhibitor and GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor when treatment with thrombin inhibitor alone failed to alleviate acute thrombosis. Combination therapies included r-hirudin (Refludan) with tirofiban (Aggrastat) or argatroban (Novastan) with ReoPro. A reduced dose of the thrombin inhibitor with the standard dose of the antiplatelet drug was the dosing regimen used. In all cases, there was no overt bleeding that required intervention and all patients had improved or fully recovered. This first report of the use of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors with thrombin inhibitors in HIT patients with active thrombosis suggests that this combined therapy may be more effective than thrombin inhibitor treatment alone. The data from these three cases warrant testing of this therapeutic regimen in larger studies to determine optimal dosing strategies.

Abciximab↗
PubMed1999

In vitro studies on the biochemistry and pharmacology of low molecular weight heparins.

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are obtained from unfractionated heparin by diverse chemical and enzymatic processes and findings with one LMWH cannot be extrapolated to another. Functional assays performed in vitro, evaluating antiprotease activity mediated via antithrombin III, heparin cofactor II interactions, antithrombin III binding, and plasma protein binding, showed wide variations between LMWHs, indicating that compositional differences among the LMWHs have a major impact on function. Evaluation in vitro showed varying potency in United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and anti-Xa assays. LMWHs tested at anti-Xa-adjusted concentrations exhibited varying potencies with anti-IIa, Heptest, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assays. Evaluation of these assays showed differences between LMWHs and a link with molecular weight. Each LMWH also varied in the in vitro neutralization by platelet factor 4, thrombin, and heparinase. LMWHs also varied in platelet interactions as assessed by whole blood clotting, thromboelastography and P-selectin expression, and in tissue factor pathway inhibitor release in cell culture. It was concluded that compositional variations in LMWHs give each product a unique biochemical profile. This profile, plus varying endogenous interactions and pharmacokinetic profiles may give rise to the clinical differences observed with LMWHs in specific indications.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Preclinical biochemistry and pharmacology of low molecular weight heparins in vivo--studies of venous and arterial thrombosis.

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are effective agents in both venous and arterial thrombosis. Extensive preclinical studies in various animal models show that there are substantial differences in antithrombotic efficacy between LMWHs, and that the relative efficacy of individual agents depends on the thrombogenic stimulus used. Relative efficacy cannot be predicted on the basis of molecular weight, nor on the basis of anti-factor Xa or anti-factor IIa potency. This suggests that other mechanisms of action, e.g., the release of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (which differs among the LMWHs), are important. Data obtained with a specific LMWH cannot be extrapolated to other compounds within the same class and their substitution in the clinical setting is, therefore, inappropriate.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Pharmacokinetics of low molecular weight heparins in animal models.

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are a diverse group of depolymerized heparin preparations with molecular weights ranging from 1800 to 12,000 Da. Due to manufacturing differences, there are marked structural variations between LMWHs that exhibit distinct pharmacologic and biochemical profiles. Pharmacokinetic studies generally use indirect pharmacodynamic measures, particularly anti-Xa activity. Animal models have shown considerable variation between preparations in anti-Xa activity and other pharmacodynamic measures, including bioavailability and release of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). Each LMWH has a specific, assay-dependent pharmacokinetic profile, reinforcing the concept that each LMWH is a distinct, noninterchangeable, pharmaceutical product.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Human pharmacokinetics of low molecular weight heparins.

Pharmacokinetic parameters of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are commonly determined by quantifying the biological activity. Such pharmacodynamic determinations should be extrapolated with care to provide pharmacokinetic information. Direct comparisons should only be drawn between LMWHs given at the same dose, determined by the same test. This is especially important since different tests estimate potency, bioavailability, and duration differently. There is a strong correlation between the ratio of anti-Xa:anti-IIa activities determined in vitro and mean residence time in vivo. Each LMWH has a characteristic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile and cannot be considered bioequivalent either at doses recommended for prophylaxis or at anti-Xa adjusted doses. These conclusions emphasize that LMWHs are not interchangeable drugs and recommendations for drug dosing should be made based on pharmacological data available for each LMWH.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Past, present and future considerations on low molecular weight heparin differentiation: an epilogue.

This epilogue represents a final summary of the issues discussed and highlighted at the International Summit on Differentiation of Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWHs). International scientists and physicians presented and discussed the physicochemical differences between LMWHs, and concluded that different production processes result in the formation of distinct drugs with unique preclinical and clinical profiles. Important data was presented showing that different LMWHs continue to show marked differences in antithrombotic action, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles measured in animal models. Human data also demonstrate that LMWHs are not bioequivalent. Moving to the clinical arena, it is clear that there are issues to be resolved regarding drug inequivalence. No apparent clinical efficacy differences have been observed in deep-vein thrombosis prophylaxis using a number of relatively low doses of LMWH. However, two studies have demonstrated clinical equivalence using different anti-Xa doses of LMWHs, strongly suggesting product inequivalence. This also suggests that anti-Xa doses are not reflective of the entire pharmacologic effects of LMWHs. It is unknown whether the higher dosages employed in the treatment of DVT will help provide evidence of clinical inequivalence. In the management of acute coronary syndromes, higher drug dosages than those used in prophylaxis have revealed an efficacy advantage; while two LMWHs have shown short-term improvement in acute coronary syndromes, only one provided a long-term treatment benefit, suggesting a drug-specific therapeutic advantage. This is in keeping with the position of the United States Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, who regard each individual LMWH as a distinct drug requiring individual clinical trials for use in a specific clinical indication. In this epilogue, the chairpersons, Professors Jawed Fareed, Sylvia Haas and Arthur Sasahara, offer some final thoughts on this intriguing scientific and clinical issues of LMWH differentiation.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Clinical laboratory monitoring of a synthetic antithrombin agent, argatroban, using high performance liquid chromatography and functional methods.

BACKGROUND: Argatroban is a peptidomimetic inhibitor of thrombin which is in clinical trials for thrombotic complications. Clot-based assays measure the cumulative anticoagulant effect of argatroban and its metabolites(s). To monitor the absolute concentrations of argatroban, a specific HPLC method was developed. METHODS: Validation studies included normal volunteers administered with escalating doses of argatroban (ARG 102 Study), patients undergoing coronary interventional procedures (ARG 310), and patients receiving argatroban in conjuction with streptokinase for acute myocardial infarction (ARG 230). Plasma samples were extracted with acetonitrile and reconstituted in a mobile phase. UV detection was made at 333 nm. Calibratrion curves were prepared with known standards of argatroban in normal human plasma. RESULTS: The retention time for argaeroban was 6.0+/-0.5 min and the extraction efficiency was >98% (r2=0.99). In the ARG102 Study, argatroban levels were: 0.84+/-0.23 (day 1), 1.55+/-0.34 (day 2), 2.92+/-0.15 (day 3), and 3.04+/-0.49 (day 4). In the ARG310 trial, the mean argatroban levels were: 0.23+0.09 microg/ml (preinfusion), 5.77+/-0.92 microg/ml (postinfusion/intraprocedure), and 2.23+/-0.29 microg/ml (postprocedure). In the ARG 230 Study, the mean argatroban levels at 2-8 hrs were between 1.5-2.0 microg/ml. Upon completion of the infusion, a time-dependent clearance of argatroban was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Since heparinization, hemodilution and hypofibrinogenemia due to thrombolysis influence the clotting tests, absolute quantitation of argatroban by HPLC in these patients provides a more reliable means of monitoring this anticoagulant and helps in the dosage-optimization of this agent. The current HPLC method is of value in the monitoring of patients who are simultaneously administered with thrombolytic drugs.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed1999

Antithrombin agents as anticoagulants and antithrombotics: implications in drug development.

The development of direct thrombin inhibitors goes back nearly four decades. Organic synthetic benzamidine derivatives were initially developed as direct antithrombin agents. Later, the structural analysis of fibrinogen, leading to the identification of thrombin cleavage sites, resulted in the recognition of specific peptide sequences where thrombin cleaved fibrinogen. These observations led to the development of synthetic peptide derivatives as inhibitors of thrombin. The leech salivary extract contained natural hirudin, the structural elucidation of which led to the development of a recombinant equivalent protein (r-hirudin). Understanding the biochemical actions of thrombin and the structure of various inhibitors prompted the development of hirulogs, a class of hybrid molecules with two sites of action. Currently, several of these thrombin inhibitors are being developed for various indications in both intravenous and subcutaneous protocols. The increased interest in thrombin inhibitors is also prompted by reports of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) with heparin and the need to anticoagulate patients with alternate drugs. These agents produce a direct anticoagulant response by targeting thrombin. In addition, the amplification of the coagulation cascade by thrombin activation of factors V and VIII, stabilization of fibrin by activated factor XHI, and platelet activation is also inhibited by these thrombin inhibitors. Some of the synthetic thrombin inhibitors are also capable of inhibiting other enzymes in the coagulation cascade. Thrombin inhibitors therefore exert a complex effect on the coagulation network and should be carefully evaluated in clinical trials. These drugs can be used for prophylactic and therapeutic and surgical indications. However, the different thrombin inhibitors have shown distinct pharmacologic differences. There is now an interest in developing oral antithrombin inhibitors. Such issues as antagonism, laboratory monitoring, drug interactions, and long-term safety remain unresolved. Current research is focused on addressing these issues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Modulation of vasoconstriction by clopidogrel and ticlopidine.

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug which has undergone extensive clinical trials in the management of stroke and other arterial disorders related to platelet activation. This agent is believed to produce the inhibition of ADP mediated direct and indirect actions leading to platelet adhesion/aggregation and other activation processes. Several other observed pharmacologic actions suggest that this drug may have additional sites of action. Ticlopidine also belongs to the same class of ADP receptor inhibitors and is extensively used for stroke prevention. To study the vasomodulatory action of clopidogrel and ticlopidine, the drugs were administered intravenously into canines at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Thirty minutes later femoral and pulmonary arteries were removed and taken for isolated tissue preparations. The intravenous injection of clopidogrel and ticlopidine caused significant vasomodulatory actions in both femoral and pulmonary ring preparations showing a marked desensitization to serotonin, endothelin-1, serum, and platelet rich plasma/arachidonic acid mixtures. In contrast, when the drugs were added directly to the organ bath containing femoral or pulmonary ring preparations from untreated animals, both clopidogrel and ticlopidine did not produce any effect on contractile response induced by serotonin, endothelin-1, serum, and platelet rich plasma/ arachidonic acid mixtures. These data suggest that endogenous transformation of clopidogrel and ticlopidine plays an important role in producing their vasomodulatory actions. Furthermore, these observations indicate that both clopidogrel and ticlopidine also modulate the vascular sites which may be contributory to the observed clinical effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Low-molecular-weight heparins: pharmacologic profile and product differentiation.

The interchangeability of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) has been the subject of discussion since these products were first introduced for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis. Experimental evidence now exists to show that LMWHs differ from each other in a number of characteristics. Products have been differentiated on the basis of molecular weight and biologic properties, but only limited information derived from the clinical setting is available. Potency has been described on the basis of anti-Factor Xa activity, but at equivalent anti-Xa activities, the anti-Factor IIa activity of different products shows marked variations. At the relatively small doses used for the management of postsurgical deep vein thrombosis, the effect of these interproduct differences may be relatively minor, but as LMWHs are developed for therapeutic use at much higher doses, such differences may become clinically important. Variations in safety and efficacy reported in clinical trials of LMWHs may reflect the known differences in their molecular composition and pharmacologic properties.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Rationale for the management of coronary syndromes with low-molecular-weight heparins.

The well-documented disadvantages of unfractionated heparin in the management of coronary syndromes, such as unpredictable bioavailability and maintenance of therapeutic range, has prompted several studies into the benefits of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs). The favorable pharmacologic properties of LMWHs include a binding affinity for antithrombin III, anti-factor IIa activity, excellent bioavailability, minimal protein binding, predictable anticoagulant response, and clinical tolerance by patients. LMWHs are also characterized by having a specific anti-factor Xa effect and inducing only a small prolongation in general clotting tests-i.e., activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and antithrombin activity-when used in high doses. Several studies have recently demonstrated that LMWHs are superior to placebo and are at least equal or superior to standard heparin when added to aspirin for the treatment of unstable angina and following non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. These studies, which include Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 11A and Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Enoxaparin versus intravenous unfractionated heparin in Non-Q-wave Coronary Events (ESSENCE), will be reviewed and discussed.

Aspirin↗
PubMed1998

Treatment of severe veno-occlusive disease with defibrotide: compassionate use results in response without significant toxicity in a high-risk population.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is the most common of the regimen-related toxicities accompanying stem cell transplantation (SCT). Despite aggressive therapies, including the combination of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and heparin, severe VOD is almost uniformly fatal. Defibrotide (DF) is a polydeoxyribonucleotide with activity in several vascular disorders and, unlike t-PA and heparin, produces no systemic anticoagulant effects. Nineteen patients who developed severe VOD after SCT were treated with DF on a compassionate-use basis. Patients had clinically established VOD and met risk criteria predicting progression and fatality. At the initiation of DF, all 19 patients had evidence of multiorgan dysfunction; median bilirubin was 22.3 mg/dL, 12 patients had renal insufficiency (5 dialysis dependent), 14 required oxygen supplementation, and encephalopathy was present in 8 patients. Beginning a median of 6 days after diagnosis of VOD, DF was administered intravenously in doses ranging from 5 to 60 mg/kg/d for a planned minimum course of 14 days. In no case was DF discontinued for attributable toxicity. No severe hemorrhage related to DF administration was observed. Resolution of VOD (bilirubin <2 mg/dL with improvement in other symptoms and signs) was seen in 8 patients (42%). Six of 8 responders survived past day +100, contrasted with the 2% predicted survival reported in comparable patients. The observed response rate, survival to day +100, and absence of significant DF treatment-associated toxicity are compelling and warrant further evaluation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Antithrombin agents as anticoagulants and antithrombotics. Implications in drug development.

Synthetic and recombinant thrombin inhibitors have undergone several clinical evaluations for thrombotic and cardiovascular indications. While the initial trials were focused in coronary indications, more recently, these agents are also developed for the prophylaxis and therapeutic management of thromboembolic disorders. Hirudin, PEG-hirudin and argatroban are in advanced clinical development. Recombinant hirudin has been approved in Europe as a substitute anticoagulant for the management of HIT patients. Several additional clinical trials are currently carried out to demonstrate the usefulness of these agents in thrombotic and cardiovascular indications. Despite these developments such issues as dosage optimization, laboratory monitoring, neutralization and drug interactions require additional studies for the optimal development of these drugs.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Molecular markers of hemostatic activation and inflammation following major injury: effect of therapy with IFN-gamma.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) has shown promise in treatment of injured patients. However, reactive states marked by immunologic and inflammatory responses constitute a potential deleterious effect of IFN-gamma administration. IFN-gamma therapy has been associated with high levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), with potential enhancement of coagulopathy after injury. This study evaluated TNF-alpha production and markers of hemostatic activation in patients receiving IFN-gamma therapy. Seventy-three patients, part of a larger multicenter trial, with severe injuries were randomized to IFN-gamma (100 microg/day s.c. for 21 days) or placebo treatment. Enrollment criteria included injury severity score (ISS) > or = 25 or significant bacterial contamination with ISS > or = 20. TNF-alpha and other cytokine production was assessed at baseline and on days 3, 8, and 22 following injury. Markers of coagulation activation and fibrinolysis were also evaluated. Plasma TNF-alpha and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were higher in IFN-treated relative to placebo-treated patients before and after IFN administration. Markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis were elevated at all times studied following injury in both treatment and control groups but did not differ between patients receiving IFN and those receiving placebo. Activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis diminished in a time-related manner following injury. We conclude that (1) IFN-gamma therapy at the dose employed was not associated with a significant increase in TNF-alpha or other inflammatory cytokine production beyond that seen in patients receiving placebo, (2) coagulation and fibrinolytic markers were increased following injury but decreased significantly in surviving patients, and (3) no changes in coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters were noted in relation to IFN-gamma therapy. These findings support previous observations that trauma is associated with hemostatic activation and that treatment of patients at the dose of IFN-gamma studied is safe in the setting of injury.

Adult↗