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.
Resumen
Nowadays, pharmaceutical heparin is purified from porcine and bovine intestinal mucosa.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio analizó productos farmacéuticos de heparina cruda y final para rastrear los orígenes de contaminantes estructuralmente diversos sobresulfatados, como el sulfato de condroitina sobresulfatado (OSCS), que previamente causaron eventos adversos para la salud. La investigación se centró completamente en el control de calidad, los procesos de fabricación y las propiedades de unión celular de la heparina derivada de mucosa intestinal porcina y bovina. No tiene relevancia para la American Society of Hirudotherapy, ya que no involucra sanguijuelas, hirudoterapia ni anticoagulantes derivados de sanguijuela como la hirudina. En consecuencia, el artículo no aporta perspectivas aplicables para la biblioteca de investigación de la sociedad.
Citación
Crude Heparin Preparations Unveil the Presence of Structurally Diverse Oversulfated Contaminants
Mendes A et al. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2019
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026