Crude Heparin Preparations Unveil the Presence of Structurally Diverse Oversulfated Contaminants
Research article published in Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2019)
Abstract
Nowadays, pharmaceutical heparin is purified from porcine and bovine intestinal mucosa. In the past decade there has been an ongoing concern about the safety of heparin, since in 2008, adverse effects associated with the presence of an oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS) were observed in preparations of pharmaceutical porcine heparin, which led to the death of patients, causing a global public health crisis. However, it has not been clarified whether OSCS has been added to the purified heparin preparation, or whether it has already been introduced during the production of the raw heparin. Using a combination of different analytical methods, we investigate both crude and final heparin products and we are able to demonstrate that the sulfated contaminants are intentionally introduced in the initial steps of heparin preparation. Furthermore, the results show that the oversulfated compounds are not structurally homogeneous. In addition, we show that these contaminants are able to bind to cells in using well known heparin binding sites. Together, the data highlights the importance of heparin quality control even at the initial stages of its production.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Nowadays, pharmaceutical heparin is purified from porcine and bovine intestinal mucosa.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This study analyzed crude and final pharmaceutical heparin products to trace the origins of structurally diverse oversulfated contaminants, such as oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS), which previously caused adverse health events. The research is entirely focused on the quality control, manufacturing processes, and cellular binding properties of heparin derived from porcine and bovine intestinal mucosa. It holds no relevance to the American Society of Hirudotherapy, as it does not involve leeches, hirudotherapy, or leech-derived anticoagulants like hirudin. Consequently, the article provides no applicable insights for the society's research library.
Citation
Crude Heparin Preparations Unveil the Presence of Structurally Diverse Oversulfated Contaminants
Mendes A et al. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2019
Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026