Therapeutic uses of heparin beyond its traditional role as an anticoagulant

A number of physiological effects have been ascribed to heparin since its discovery almost 80 years ago, many of which are independent from its first-described and best- characterized activity as an anticoagulant. Heparin and heparan sulphate are believed to possess many biological activities that include the ability to modulate embryonic development, neurite outgrowth, tissue homeostasis, wound healing, metastasis, cell differentation, cell proliferation and inflammation. In this review, David Tyrell, Stephen Kilfeather and Clive Page examine some of the activities of heparin (and heparin derivatives) beyond its effects as an anticoagulant, and discuss the therapeutic potential of this old, but certainly not antiquated, drug.