Summary
Thrombomodulin (TM), which variably contains a chondroitin sulfate (±CS), forms an
anticoagulant complex with thrombin (IIa). IIaTM(±CS) converts protein C (PC) into
activated PC (APC), which then inactivates activated factors V (FVa) and VIII (FVIIIa).
This reduces prothrombinase and tenase complexes that generate IIa. Heparin (H) increases
the rate of IIa-TM inhibition by antithrombin (AT) and enhances FV cleavage by APC.
Our novel covalent AT-H (ATH) product, has superior anticoagulant activity compared
to AT + unfractionated H (UFH). We studied mechanisms by which ATH versus AT + UFH
inhibits IIaTM(±CS), and ATH influences on APC cleavage of FV/FVa compared to UFH.
Findings would determine how these reactions moderate ATH’s overall effects as an
anticoagulant. Discontinuous second order rate inhibition assays of IIa-TM(±CS) inhibition
by AT + UFH or ATH were performed in presence or absence of human umbilical vein endothelial
cells (HUVECs). FV/FVa cleavage by APC in the presence of UFH or ATH was analysed
by Western blots. ATH increased IIa-TM(±CS) inhibition to a greater degree than AT
+ UFH, both on plastic and HUVEC surfaces. Unlike UFH, ATH did not accelerate FV cleavage
by APC, but ATH did enhance FVa cleavage relative to UFH. Increased IIa-TM inhibition
by ATH downregulates PC activation. However, ATH does accelerate downstream inactivation
of FVa, which increases its potency for IIa generation inhibition compared to UFH.
This trend holds true in the presence of APC’s cofactor, protein S. Overall, ATH may
have a balanced function towards inhibiting or accelerating PC pathway activities.
Keywords
Antithrombin-heparin complex - thrombomodulin - factor V/Va - anticoagulant - heparin