title: Heparins for proliferative nephritides? Short review on an advancing topic.
abstract: The rationale behind a proposed use of heparins for the control of proliferative nephritides is presented. Heparins stop adhesion of leucocytes to endothelial cells, they are anti-complementary, they modulate the activities of phagocytes and they stop the proliferation of mesangial cells or vascular smooth muscle cells. Heparins prevent the release of endothelin-1 and potentiate the action of constitutive nitric oxide. Low-molecular-weight heparins or pentosan polysulphate are now favoured.
authors.forename: E N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Wardle
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015432:Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin