BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to observe the effects of genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 on inhibitory effects of ticagrelor (Tic) and clopidogrel (Clo) towards post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) platelet aggregation (IPA) and major cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: From August 2013 to March 2014, 166 patients with ACS undergoing PCI were selected. The patients were randomly grouped into the Tic group and the Clo group. IPA was detected by thromboelastography (TEG) at 1 week after taking the pills. Genotyping of CYP2C19 gene was determined by analysis of gene sequence detection. Patients were followed up for 1 month and MACE was observed.

RESULTS: The total IPA in the Clo group was significantly increased compared with the Tic group (P<0.05). The IPAs in the 3 subgroups of Clo group were all significantly increased compared with the 3 subgroups of the Tic group (all P<0.05). MACE was not significantly different between Clo and Tic groups (P>0.05). MACE had no significant difference among the 3 subgroups of the Tic group (P>0.05). MACE in the low metabolism subgroup of the Clo group was significantly increased compared with the fast metabolism subgroup and middle metabolism subgroup of Clo group (P<0.05). MACE was not significant different between the fast metabolism subgroup and the middle metabolism subgroup of the Clo group (P>0.05). MACE in the low metabolism subgroup of the Tic group was significantly decreased compared with the low metabolism subgroup of the Clo group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Ticagrelor has a better effect on inhibition platelet aggregation than Clopidogrel in ACS patients undergoing PCI.

Keywords: acute coronary syndrome, percutaneous coronary intervention, Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors