Sulfasalazine and Endothelial Function

Summary

Experimental studies suggest that systemic inflammation leads to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. This study will examine the effects of the anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine on endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease. Subjects will be treated with sulfasalazine or to placebo for six weeks. After a two-week rest period, subjects will cross over to the alternative treatment. Endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery will be studied before and after each drug. We hypothesize that anti-inflammatory therapy will reverse endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease.

Timeline

Start

2003-07

Primary completion

2007-12

Completion

2007-12

Publications

• Tabit CE, Holbrook M, Shenouda SM, Dohadwala MM, Widlansky ME, Frame AA, Kim BH, Duess MA, Kluge MA, Levit A, Keaney JF Jr, Vita JA, Hamburg NM. Effect of sulfasalazine on inflammation and endothelial function in patients with established coronary artery disease. Vasc Med. 2012 Apr;17(2):101-7. doi: 10.1177/1358863X12440117.

Drugs

Indications