title: More than an anticoagulant: Do heparins have direct anti-inflammatory effects?
abstract: The heparins, well-known for their anticoagulant properties, may also have anti-inflammatory effects that could contribute to their effectiveness in the treatment of venous thromboembolism and other vascular diseases. This review focuses on the inflammatory pathophysiology that underlies the development of thrombosis and the putative effects of heparin on these pathways. We present evidence supporting the use of heparin for other indications, including autoimmune disease, malignancy, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. These considerations highlight the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms of the possible pleiotropic effects of the heparins, with a view to advancing treatments based upon heparin derivatives.
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Poterucha
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Libby
authors.affiliation: Samuel Z Goldhaber, MD, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA 02115, USA, Tel.: +1 857 307 1932, E-mail: sgoldhaber@partners.org.
authors.forename: Samuel Z
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Goldhaber
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006493:Heparin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin
keywords: Heparin; coagulation; inflammation