title: Heparin--not only thinning the blood.
abstract: In this issue of Blood, An et al(1) report that thrombotic disorders such as factor V Leiden are often treated with drugs like low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) to prevent placental failure and recurrent pregnancy loss. To date, the involvement of thrombotic mechanisms in this process is highly debated. An et al(1) have identified a new mechanism by which LMWH improves pregnancy outcome in a murine model of factor V Leiden that is unrelated to its anticoagulation capabilities.
authors.affiliation: Wayne State University, USA.
authors.forename: Sascha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Drewlo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005165:Factor V / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D010922:Placenta Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk
chemical_list: C095381:factor V Leiden; D005165:Factor V; D006493:Heparin