[Release of hepatocyte growth factor mediated by heparin]

To observe the effects of sodium heparin and low molecular weight heparin on the release of plasma hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in senior coronary heart disease patients.

Fifty-four senior patients with coronary heart disease were divided into three groups: intravenous sodium heparin, subcutaneous sodium heparin, and subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Plasma HGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured before and after injection.

Plasma HGF was increased rapidly and significantly after intravenous injection of sodium heparin, reaching its peak level (about 48 fold) after approximately 10 minutes. Plasma HGF was also increased rapidly and significantly after subcutaneous injection of sodium heparin and LMWH, reaching its peak level (about 4 and 5 fold in sodium heparin and LMWH respectively) after approximately 2-3 hours.

The rise of plasma HGF after heparin treatment suggests that heparin has some other biological effects in addition to its anticoagulant property through HGF. By this mechanism, the administration of heparin may be of some importance in the reparation of cardio-vascular diseases.