Description
Ozagrel is an inhibitor of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) synthase that displays antithrombotic, anti-asthma, and anti-allergic activities. In vivo, ozagrel decreases airway responses to inhalation of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and TxA2 analog STA2, inhibiting secondary release of TxA2. In other animal models of bronchoconstriction, ozagrel increases levels of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), inhibiting histamine release. In clinical settings, ozagrel decreases airway contraction in subjects with exercise-induced asthma. In diabetic mice, this compound inhibits retinal arteriolar constriction, preventing decreases in retinal blood flow associated with diabetes-induced retinopathy. Additionally, ozagrel displays cardioprotective activity, decreasing infarct size and thrombus formation in animal models of ischemia-induced myocardial injury. Ozagrel is also hepatoprotective, inhibiting expression of Jun, Fos, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), preventing acetaminophen-induced liver injury.