The Clinical Effects of Tranilast on Restenosis after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tranilast is an anti-allergic drug that suppresses the release of cytokines, such as platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-1beta. It has recently become known to be effective in the prevention of restenosis following PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred forty two consecutive patients with angina who underwent PTCA between Jan 1999 and Jul 2000 at Chonnam National University Hospital were analyzed prospectively. Thirty patients (Tranilast group60.8+/-7.7 years, MF=228, 41 lesions) out of 48 who received 300 mg tranilast for 3 months following PTCA and who underwent follow-up CAG (coronary angiogram), were compared with 61 patients (Control group58.1+/-11.0 years, MF=529, 82 lesions) out of 94, 94 who did not receive tranilast but did undergo follow-up CAG. RESULTS: The restenosis rate per lesion was significantly lower in the Tranilast group than in the Control group on the 6-month follow-up CAG (Tranilast vs. Control group19.5% vs. 40.2%, p=0.021). The minimal luminal diameter was significantly larger in the Tranilast group as compared to the Control group (1.99+/-0.76 vs. 1.50+/-0.83 mm p=0.002). One patient of the Tranilast group suffered from liver dysfunction and stopped medication. CONCLUSION: The oral administration of tranilast is safe and effective in the prevention of restenosis following PTCA in patients with angina.