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Betaine, a Novel Antithrombotic Agent for Effective Management of Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Diseases
Author(s) -
Iqbal Omer,
Messadek J,
Schultz C,
Hoppensteadt D,
Fareed J
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.4.a656
Subject(s) - betaine , homocysteine , chemistry , hyperhomocysteinemia , pharmacology , whole blood , medicine , biochemistry
Betaine, first isolated from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is a widely distributed natural compound and serves as a substrate in the betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase reaction converting homocysteine to methionine. Homocysteine is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Betaine is currently registered as an orphan drug to control hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with homocystinuria (Cystadane®, Orphan Medical Inc.). Betaine was supplemented in whole blood to study its effects on thrombelastography and whole blood platelet aggregation. Betaine was supplemented in freshly drawn whole blood from normal healthy volunteers and thrombelastography (TEG) was immediately performed. There was a concentration‐dependent response observed on the TEG parameters (see table) when compared to the saline control. Betaine exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation at a final concentration of 250 μg/ml, using ADP as an agonist at a final concentration of 1 μM. Betaine supplemented in the blood bank plasma did not show any effect on the global clotting and chromogenic anti‐Xa and anti‐IIa assays. Based on these unique anticoagulant properties, this novel agent, Betaine, may have applications in various clinical indications such as peripheral arterial occlusive disease. TEG Parameters.