Role of metabolic manipulator trimetazidine in limiting percutaneous coronary intervention–induced myocardial injury

BACKGROUND: Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a metabolic modulator that shifts substrate utilization from fatty acid to carbohydrates, thereby, increasing myocardial glucose oxidation and improving myocardial ischemia. We evaluated whether TMZ is effective in reducing myocardial injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Patients with stable angina undergoing elective PCI were divided into two groups, one who received oral TMZ (35 mg BD) started 7 days before PCI (n = 48) and second who did not receive any TMZ (in addition to the standard therapy (n = 52)). Troponin-I (cTnI) and creatine kinase–MB (CK-MB) were measured before, 8, and 24 h after PCI. The primary end point was a difference in post-PCI cTnI and CK-MB levels (vs baseline). Frequency of cTnI release in the two groups, total amount of cTnI release, and difference in TIMI flow grade before and after the procedure were also assessed. RESULTS: Baseline demographics in the groups were comparable. Despite similar baseline levels, post-procedural cTnI was lower at 8 h (0.13 vs 0.56 ng/ml, p = 0.03) and 24 h (0.2 vs 1.13 ng/ml, p = 0.004) in the TMZ group. Decline or no change in cTnI was significantly more common in the TMZ group (26% vs 2%, p < 0.01). Total cTnI released after PCI, as assessed by area under curve was significantly lower in the TMZ group (15.84 vs 3.32 ng h/ml, p = 0.005). Although CK-MB levels were also lower in the TMZ group, the difference was not statistically significant. Incidence of post-PCI TIMI 1 or 2 flow was significantly lesser in the TMZ group. CONCLUSIONS: Oral TMZ started 7 days before PCI was effective in limiting PCI-induced myocardial injury with lower cTnI levels and higher prevalence of TIMI-3 flow.