Trial Objectives To test the vasoactive and anti-inflammatory effects of prasugrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome, endothelial function -as a surrogate parameter of NO bioavailability- and different markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and platelet activation will be assessed in patients with unstable angina.~Trial Design Single center, double blind, double-dummy, randomized, parallel trial.~Endpoints~Primary Endpoint Assessment of endothelial function (FMD) via high-resolution ultrasound (Sonoline G50, 12 MHz linear array transducer, Siemens, Germany) by experienced sonographer.~Secondary Endpoints~Non-invasive assessment of microvascular perfusion and oxygen saturation by laser Doppler perfusion imaging and tissue spectrometry (O2C, Lea Medizintechnik, Giessen, Germany)~Determination of leukocyte activity: plasma MPO levels (ELISA), plasma elastase levels (ELISA)~Assessment of platelet activity: plasma levels of sCD40 ligand (ELISA), RANTES (ELISA)~Measurement of different oxidative stress markers: hsCRP (ELISA), CD40 ligand (ELISA), carbonylated proteins (ELISA), urinary 8-iso-PGF2α (gas chromatography mass spectrometry)~Determination of platelet-leukocyte aggregates by fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACS)~Assessment of platelet function (PADA-test)
To test the vasoactive and anti-inflammatory effects of prasugrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome endothelial function -as a surrogate parameter of NO bioavailability- and different markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and platelet activation will be assessed in patients with unstable angina.