Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 4, 2026

Testing Acetylcholine Followed by Adenosine for Invasive Diagnosis of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
05:58

Testing Acetylcholine Followed by Adenosine for Invasive Diagnosis of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders

Published on: February 3, 2021

4.0K

Acute coronary syndromes: targeting inflammation-what has the VISTA-16 trial taught us?

Michelle L O'Donoghue1

  • 1TIMI Study Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 350 Longwood Avenue, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Nature Reviews. Cardiology
|January 15, 2014
PubMed

Insights

The VISTA-16 trial for varespladib in acute coronary syndrome patients was stopped early due to lack of efficacy and safety concerns. Research into anti-inflammatory therapies for atherosclerosis continues.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves inflammation in atherosclerosis.
  • Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is implicated in inflammatory pathways.
  • Targeting sPLA2 is a potential therapeutic strategy for ACS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of varespladib, an sPLA2 inhibitor, in patients with ACS.
  • To determine if inhibiting sPLA2 can reduce adverse cardiovascular events.

Main Methods:

  • The VISTA-16 trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled study.
  • Patients with ACS received varespladib or placebo.
  • The trial was designed to assess clinical outcomes and safety signals.

Main Results:

  • The trial was terminated prematurely due to futility.
  • A signal towards harm was observed in the varespladib group.
  • Varespladib did not demonstrate efficacy in ACS patients.

Conclusions:

  • Varespladib is not effective and potentially harmful in ACS patients.
  • Targeting sPLA2 may not be a viable strategy for managing ACS.
  • Further research is needed to explore other anti-inflammatory targets in atherogenesis.

More Related Videos

Acetylcholine Re-Challenge After Intracoronary Nitroglycerine Administration07:59

Acetylcholine Re-Challenge After Intracoronary Nitroglycerine Administration

Published on: April 4, 2022

1.5K
Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty10:03

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty

Published on: January 28, 2020

4.9K

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
943
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
2.1K
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
444
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
495
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
741
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
522