PURPOSE: This review aims to gather existing literature on the clinical effects of ticagrelor after inhibiting adenosine uptake.
METHODOLOGY: The current study reviewed literature related to the effects of ticagrelor on adenosine metabolism. The review also examined the drug's biological effects and clinical characteristics to see how it could be used in a clinical setting.
RESULTS: Many studies have shown that ticagrelor can inhibit equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). This inhibition leads to intracellular adenosine uptake, increased adenosine half-life and plasma concentration levels and an enhanced adenosine-mediated biological effect.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on the studies reviewed, it was found that ticagrelor essentially inhibits adenosine absorption of adenosine into cells through ENT1, which increases the concentration in the blood and subsequently increases the protection of the heart muscle by adenosine. It also prevents platelet aggregation, and extends the biological effects of coronary arteries. Moreover, it leads to a lower mortality rate in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.