Effect of sulodexide on plasma transforming growth factor-beta1 in healthy volunteers

It is unknown whether the glycosaminoglycan drug sulodexide interferes with transforming growth factor-beta1--a member of heparin-binding family and a potent regulator of human biology and diseases. Hence, a 2-week pilot study was performed in 11 healthy men. Sulodexide was initially administered intravenously in a single dose, then--orally for 12 days and--again intravenously on study completion. Initial injection had no effect on activated form of the growth factor measured in plasma after 10 and 120 min; no change was also observed after 120 min from drug ingestion on day 7. On final intravenous administration, the growth factor levels increased by almost 60% after 10 min and remained elevated; the 120-min levels directly correlated with sulodexide dosage. Baseline cytokine levels decreased during the 2-week trial by more than 50%. In conclusion, transforming growth factor-beta1 release and likely downregulation of its expression may constitute novel pharmacological effects of sulodexide.