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The anti-inflammatory effects of heparin and related compounds

Edward Young1

  • 1Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine and Henderson Research Center, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. younged@hhsc.ca

Thrombosis Research
|August 31, 2007
PubMed

Heparin is a glycosaminoglycan well known for its anticoagulant properties. In addition, heparin possesses anti-inflammatory effects. Although the mechanisms responsible for the anticoagulant effects of heparin are well understood, those underlying its anti-inflammatory effects are not. This review presents some of the evidence from clinical and animal studies supporting an anti-inflammatory role for heparin and heparin-related derivatives. Potential mechanisms by which heparin can exert its anti-inflammatory effects are discussed. The clinical use of heparin as an anti-inflammatory agent has been held back by the fear of bleeding. Development of nonanticoagulant heparins or heparin derivatives should mitigate this concern.

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