Background: NCX-4016 is an acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) derivative containing a nitric oxide-releasing moiety. Compared with ASA, NCX-4016 has a broader spectrum of antithrombotic and antiinflammatory activities. We hypothesized that NCX-4016 might inhibit in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of tissue factor (TF).
Methods and results: Rats were administered 90 mg/kg NCX-4016 orally for 5 days. Placebo, 50 mg/kg ASA, and 80 mg/kg isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN) were used in control groups. On day 5, rats were injected intraperitoneally with 100 microg/kg LPS and killed 6 hours later. The expression of TF in monocytes was measured by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess expression of TF and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) genes. Plasma concentrations of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured. Urine samples were collected to evaluate the excretion of the thromboxane metabolite 11-dehydro-thromboxane (TX)B2. Gastric mucosa was inspected. LPS injection was followed by synthesis TF and COX-2 mRNAs in circulating monocytes, which were blunted by NCX-4016 but not by ASA or ISMN. Both NCX-4016 and ISMN reduced TF expression on surface of circulating monocyte. LPS increased the excretion 11-dehydro-TXB2, and this was prevented by NCX-4016 and ASA. Unlike ASA, NCX-4016 reduced plasma interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In addition, NCX-4016 almost completely prevented mucosal damage, whereas ASA increased the extension of gastric lesions in LPS-injected rats.
Conclusions: NCX-4016 prevents monocyte TF expression; this is accompanied by inhibition of TX and cytokine biosynthesis. These additive effects of nitric oxide release and COX inhibition may help explain efficacy and tolerability of NCX-4016.