Effect of heparin and fractionated heparin on trophoblast invasion.
BACKGROUND
Heparin can significantly reduce pregnancy complications in women with certain thrombophilias, such as antiphospholipid syndrome. Recent reports suggest that heparin may act by mechanisms other than anticoagulation. However, the effect of heparin on trophoblast biology in the absence of thrombophilia has not been extensively investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate trophoblast invasion, using an established cell line and primary extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), following exposure to heparin and fractionated heparin.


METHODS
An EVT cell line (SGHPL-4) was used to study invasion in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and varying concentrations of fractionated and unfractionated heparin. These experiments were repeated using first trimester primary EVTs.


RESULTS
Both forms of heparin significantly reduced HGF-induced invasion in the SGHPL-4 cell line. This suppression of invasion appeared to be dose-dependent for fractionated heparin. In primary EVT cells, fractionated heparin also demonstrated significant suppression of invasion.


CONCLUSIONS
Heparin has the potential to reduce trophoblast invasion in cell lines and first trimester EVT cells. This article highlights the need for further evaluation of these medications in vitro and in vivo, especially when used in the absence of thrombophilic disorders.
Ganapathy
R
R
Centre for Developmental and Endocrine Signalling, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, University of London, London, UK.
Whitley
G St J
GS
Cartwright
J E
JE
Dash
P R
PR
Thilaganathan
B
B
D002460:Cell Line; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D006493:Heparin