Mechanism of action
Trimetazidine prevents the reduction of intracellular concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by maintaining the energy metabolism of cells in a state of hypoxia. Thus, the drug ensures the normal functioning of membrane ion channels, transmembrane transfer of potassium and sodium ions and preservation of cellular homeostasis.
Trimetazidine inhibits the oxidation of fatty acids by selective inhibition of the 3-ketoacyl-CoA-thiolase (3-CAT) enzyme of the mitochondrial long chain fatty acid isoform, which leads to increased glucose oxidation and glycolysis acceleration with glucose oxidation, which determines myocardial protection from ischemia. Switching energy metabolism from the oxidation of fatty acids to glucose oxidation underlies the pharmacological properties of trimetazidine.
Pharmacodynamic properties:
- supports the energy metabolism of the heart and neurosensory tissues during ischemia;
- reduces the severity of intracellular acidosis and changes in the transmembrane ion flow that occur with ischemia;
- lowers the level of migration and infiltration of polynucleated neutrophils in ischemic and reperfused heart tissues;
- reduces the size of myocardial damage;
- does not directly affect the parameters of hemodynamics.
In patients with angina pectoris, trimetazidine:
- increases the coronary reserve, thereby slowing the onset of ischemia caused by physical exertion, starting from the 15th day of therapy;
- limits fluctuations in blood pressure caused by physical exertion, without significant changes in heart rate;
- significantly reduces the frequency of angina attacks and the need for short-acting nitroglycerin;
- improves the contractile function of the left ventricle in patients with ischemic dysfunction.
The results of clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy and safety of trimetazidine in patients with stable angina pectoris, both in monotherapy and in combination therapy with the inadequate effect of other antianginal drugs.
In a study of 426 patients with stable angina,the addition of trimetazidine (60 mg / day) to metoprolol therapy 100 mg / day (50 mg 2 times / day) for 12 weeks, statistically significantly improved the results of exercise tests and clinical symptoms compared with placebo: the total duration of the stress tests was +20, 1 s, p = 0.023, the total time of the load +0.54 METs, p = 0.001, time to development of segment depression ST at 1 mm +33.4 s, p = 0.003, time until the development of an attack of angina pectoris +33.9 s, p <0.001, the number of attacks of angina per week -0.73, p = 0.014 and the consumption of short-acting nitrates per week -0 , 63, p = 0.032, without hemodynamic changes.
In a study involving 223 patients with stable angina, the addition of trimetazidine at a dose of 35 mg (2 times / day) to atenolol therapy at a dose of 50 mg (1 time / day) for 8 weeks resulted in an increase in time to development of ischemic depression in the segment ST by 1 mm (+34.4 s, p = 0.03) when carrying out load tests in a subgroup of patientsn= 173), compared with placebo, 12 hours after taking the drug. This difference was also shown for the time of development of angina attacks (p = 0.049). There were no significant differences between groups for other secondary endpoints (total duration of stress tests,total load time and clinical end points).
In a study involving 1962 patients with stable angina, trimetazidine in two dosages (70 mg / day and 140 mg / day) in comparison with placebo was added to the therapy with atenolol 50 mg / day. In the general population, including patients, both without symptoms and with symptoms of angina pectoris, trimetazidine did not demonstrate the benefits of ergometric (total duration of exercise tests, time to onset of ischemic depression of the segment ST at 1 mm and the time until the onset of an attack of angina pectoris) and clinical endpoints. However, in a retrospective analysis in a subgroup of patients with symptoms of angina pectoris (n=1574), trimetazidine (140 mg) significantly improved the overall time of the stress test (+23.8 seconds compared with +13.1 seconds for placebo, p = 0.001) and the time until the onset of an angina attack (+46.3 seconds compared with +32.5 for placebo, p = 0.005).