Thromb Haemost 2017; 117(03): 437-444
DOI: 10.1160/TH16-08-0620
Coagulation and Fibrinolysis
Schattauer GmbH

More than an anticoagulant: Do heparins have direct anti-inflammatory effects?

Timothy J. Poterucha
1   Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
,
Peter Libby
2   Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
,
Samuel Z. Goldhaber
2   Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 11 August 2016

Accepted after major revision: 20 November 2016

Publication Date:
21 November 2017 (online)

Summary

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.

 
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