Product Code Database
Heparinoids are glycosaminoglycans which are chemically and pharmacologically related to heparin. They include oligosaccharides and sulfated polysaccharides of plant, animal, or synthetic origin. Multiple scientific studies have been conducted on heparinoids.
Heparinoids, like heparin, act by interacting with heparin binding proteins, generally through ionic interactions or hydrogen bonding. Some examples of heparin binding proteins include antithrombin III. It is thought that much protein interaction with heparin is not direct, and instead heparin binding protein actually interact with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains or mucins bound to the heparin polymer, so it is possible that heparinoids interact with these proteins in a similar way, acquiring GAG side chains in vivo. One counterexample is the protein chymase, which directly binds to heparin.
Chondroitin sulfate shows slightly less biological activity than dermatan sulfate, and is composed of O-sulfated N-acetyl-D-galatosamine and D-glucuronic acid. It is theorized that this change in efficacy is related to the absence of L-induronic acid, which affects the flexibility of the polymer chain.
Acharan sulfate is a heparinoid that is naturally produced by the giant African land snail, Lissachatina fulica. Keratan sulfate is a heparinoid that is a component of cartilage. It is found in the cornea.
Chitin, a component of insect shells and fungal structures, can be de- N-acetylated to form chitosan, which when sulfated has a significant chemical similarity to heparin. In fact, it inhibits thrombin by affecting ATIII.
Lepirudin is a recombinant preparation of the polypeptide anticoagulant secreted by leeches and is used in patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia.
Hyaluronan functions as a heparinoid when it is sulfated. Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid are used to mitigate pain and treat symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee, but such injections are correlated with increased risk of serious side effects.
Alginic acid functions as a heparinoid when it is sulfated.
Pentosan from the bark of Fagus sylvatica, when sulfated, acts with one-tenth of the efficacy of heparin.
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