Dual and antagonic therapeutic effects of sulfated glycans

Sulfated glycans currently explored in medicine like glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or those of potential medical application like algal sulfated galactans (SGs) and fucoidans exhibit significant effects in numerous pathophysiological systems. According to the structure of these sulfated glycans, sample concentration and the method utilized in the approach opposite effects can be achieved. The effects aimed at down-regulating the events usually dominate. These effects are expected in most clinical endeavors. However, the effects capable of accelerating the events can be also beneficial in certain circumstances. Besides discoursing about the paradoxical effects of sulfated glycans in coagulation/thrombosis, angiogenesis, inflammation and microbial infections; this report aims primarily at highlighting the possible contribution of the neglected activities of some well-known sulfated glycans in up-regulating the events of these pathophysiological systems. The representative sulfated glycans taken here are the mammalian-derived GAGs, the unique holothurian GAG, the red algal SGs and the brown algal fucoidans. The current discussion is highly relevant in light of the future strategies for developing novel sulfated glycan-based therapies.