New applications of heparin and other glycosaminoglycans

Andrade De Lima, M; Rudd, T; Yates, E

doi:10.3390/molecules22050749

New applications of heparin and other glycosaminoglycans

Andrade De Lima, M; Rudd, T; Yates, E

Authors

Marcelo Andrade De Lima m.andrade.de.lima@keele.ac.uk

T Rudd

E Yates

Abstract

Heparin, the widely used pharmaceutical anticoagulant, has been in clinical use for well over half a century. Its introduction reduced clotting risks substantially and subsequent developments, including the introduction of low-molecular-weight heparin, made possible many major surgical interventions that today make heparin an indispensable drug. There has been a recent burgeoning of interest in heparin and related glycosaminoglycan (GAG) polysaccharides, such as chondroitin sulfates, heparan sulfate, and hyaluronate, as potential agents in various applications. This ability arises mainly from the ability of GAGs to interact with, and alter the activity of, a wide range of proteins. Here, we review new developments (since 2010) in the application of heparin and related GAGs across diverse fields ranging from thrombosis and neurodegenerative disorders to microbiology and biotechnology.

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Apr 28, 2017
Publication Date	May 6, 2017
Journal	Molecules
Publisher	MDPI
Volume	22
Pages	749--749
DOI	https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22050749
Keywords	heparin, glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate
Publisher URL	https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/22/5/749