Heparins for proliferative nephritides? Short review on an advancing topic

The rationale behind a proposed use of heparins for the control of proliferative nephritides is presented. Heparins stop adhesion of leucocytes to endothelial cells, they are anti-complementary, they modulate the activities of phagocytes and they stop the proliferation of mesangial cells or vascular smooth muscle cells. Heparins prevent the release of endothelin-1 and potentiate the action of constitutive nitric oxide. Low-molecular-weight heparins or pentosan polysulphate are now favoured.