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The effect of continuous heparin infusion for one year on serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the
Insights
Long-term intravenous heparin therapy in dogs significantly elevated serum cholesterol levels. This finding suggests potential implications for using heparin in treating human atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Long-term anticoagulation is crucial for managing atherosclerotic conditions.
- Heparin is a widely used anticoagulant, but its long-term effects on lipid metabolism require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effects of continuous intravenous heparin administration on serum lipid profiles in normal dogs.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen normal dogs received continuous intravenous heparin infusions (666 units/kg/day) for one year via implantable pumps.
- Eight control dogs received bacteriostatic water infusions under identical conditions.
- Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were monitored throughout the study.
Main Results:
- Serum cholesterol concentrations in the heparin group increased by 50% above control values after one month and remained significantly elevated (P < 0.05) for 11 months.
- Serum triglyceride levels showed no significant changes between the heparin and control groups.
- Heparin's known activation of lipoprotein lipase may explain the observed increase in free fatty acids, potentially contributing to cholesterol elevation.
Conclusions:
- Continuous one-year intravenous heparin infusion in dogs leads to a significant and sustained increase in serum cholesterol.
- These findings suggest a potential link between long-term heparin use and altered lipid metabolism, with implications for managing atherosclerosis in humans.
Abstract:
Fourteen normal dogs received continuous infusions of intravenous heparin for one year by means of an implantable infusion pump. Heparin wad admistered at an overall mean rate of 666 units/kg/day, a dose sufficient to prolong the Lee-White clotting time to greater than twice normal. Eight control, animals, under the same dietary and activity regimen, received continuous infusions of bacteriostatic water for one year by means of implanted pumps. Serum cholesterol concentrations rose to 50% above control values after one month of heparin infusion, and remained significantly (P less than 0.05) elevated at this level for the remaining 11 months. Serum triglyceride levels were unchanged. A possible mechanism for this elevation resides in the known effect of heparin to increase plasma free fatty acid concentrations by its activation of lipoprotein lipase. These results may have implications for the long-term use of heparin anticoagulation in the treatment of atherosclerotic states in man.