Thromb Haemost 2009; 102(05): 823-828
DOI: 10.1160/TH09-02-0091
Theme Issue Article
Schattauer GmbH

Heparin, heparan sulfate and heparanase in inflammatory reactions

Jin-ping Li
1   Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
,
Israel Vlodavsky
2   Cancer and Vascular Biology Research Center, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
› Author Affiliations

Financial support: Work of the authors of this review was supported by grants from the Swedish Research Council (32X-15023, 2007–5985; K2009–67X-21128–01–3); European Commission (EURAMY); Mizutani Foundation for Glycoscience; Polysackaridforskning AB (Uppsala, Sweden); The Israel Science Foundation (grant 549/06) and the National Cancer Institute, NIH (grant RO1-CA106456). I. Vlodavsky is a Research Professor of the Israel Cancer Research Fund.
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 11 February 2009

Accepted after minor revision: 17 May 2009

Publication Date:
27 November 2017 (online)

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Summary

Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix of most animal tissues are essential in development and homeostasis, and are implicated in disease processes. Emerging evidence demonstrates the important roles of HS in inflammatory reactions, particularly in the regulation of leukocyte extravasation. Heparin, a classical anticoagulant, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in animal models and in the clinic,presumably through interference with the functions of HS, as both polysaccharides share a high similarity in molecular structure. Apart of regulation during biosynthesis, the structures of HS and heparin are significantly modulated by heparanase, an endoglycosidase that is upregulated in a number of inflammatory conditions. Exploring the physiological roles of HS and heparin and the mode of heparanase action in modulating their functions during inflammation responses is of importance for future studies.