A 3.0-kDa low molecular weight heparin promotes gastric ulcer healing in rats

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of sildenafil citrate, heparin and neuropeptides in a rat model of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer

AIMS

The purpose of our investigative work has been to determine whether there can be therapeutic roles in the administration of sildenafil citrate, heparin and several neuropeptides on an animal model where gastric ulcers were induced with acetic acid, and to compare their efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The animals were divided into 13 groups, with 4 animals in each. Gastric ulcers was induced in the animals of 12 groups with one untreated group being left as the control (Group I - control; given normal saline (NS)). The other groups were: Group II (ulcer+NS); Group III (5mg/kg sildenafil citrate, low dose); Group IV (10mg/kg sildenafil citrate, high dose); Group V (0.6mg/kg heparin, low dose); Group VI (6mg/kg heparin, high dose); Group VII (20nmol/kg des-acyl ghrelin); Group VIII (40nmol/kg des-acyl ghrelin); Group IX (4nmol/kg acyl ghrelin); Group X (8nmol/kg acly ghrelin); Group XI (20pmol/kg Nesfatin-1); Group XII (15nmol/kg Obestatin) and Group XIII (5nmol/kg Neuropeptide Y). Gastric neuropeptide expression was measured using an immunohistochemical method, and the amount in circulation was detected using ELISA. To compare with no treatment, the controls and other treatment groups, we recorded loss of the surface epithelium of the stomach, erosion, bleeding and inflammatory cell infiltration in the upper halves of the gastric glands.

KEY FINDINGS

The muscularis and the layers beneath it were, however, apparently normal. The gastric mucosa healed with little or no inflammation when sildenafil citrate, low dose heparin, ghrelin, NUCB2/Nesfatin-1, obestatin, Neuropeptide Y were administered.

SIGNIFICANCE

Overall the data indicate that low dose heparin, and especially sildenafil citrate and neuropeptides, can be used clinically as an alternative approach in the treatment of the gastric ulcer.

Comparison of effects of unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin on skin wound healing of rats

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of unfractionated heparin (UH) and a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on skin wound healing of rats. METHODS: Forty eight male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 8mm full thickness dorsal skin wounds and were randomly assigned to three equal groups. In experimental group A, heparin sodium was injected at a concentration of 1000U/kg. In experimental group B, enoxaparin was injected at a concentration of 1mg/kg. Physiologic saline (0.5ml) was administered to the control group. Injections were made subcutaneously, once daily, for seven days. At 7th and 10th days tissue samples were taken from all rats. Histologic examination of these tissues was made under light microscope and scored. RESULTS: Histological examination showed a significant difference between the 7th and 10th day groups in wound healing. It was observed that wound healing of LMWH injected group is better. This difference is statistically significant at 10th day. CONCLUSIONS: Daily administration of single doses of unfractionated heparin and a low molecular weight heparin improves wound healing positively. Low molecular weight heparin induces wound healing more than unfractionated heparin.

Subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin administration promotes wound healing in rats

The influence of subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) compared with physiologic saline on the healing of abdominal wounds with and without prolene mesh was studied in rats. The collagen concentration was determined in the wound tissue and in prolene mesh 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after the skin incision in controls and in two groups of rats treated either with LMWH for 7 (I group) or 14 (II group) days after skin incision and prolene insertion. LMWH administration resulted in a significant increase of collagen content both in wound and in prolene mesh in total dose-dependent manner.

An evaluation of low molecular weight heparin and hyperbaric oxygen treatment in the prevention of intra-abdominal adhesions and wound healing

BACKGROUND

Abdominal surgery can lead to intra-abdominal adhesions with significant morbidity and mortality. To prevent adhesions, an experimental study was planned to designate the effects of low molecular weight (LMW) heparins and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy both on the formation of adhesions and wound healing.

METHODS

Thirty-eight Wistar albino rats underwent laparotomy to cause intra-abdominal adhesions by mechanical abrasion of the cecum and ethanol application. The rats were divided into 4 groups. In the control group (group 1) no further management was undertaken. Group 2 was treated by Enoxaparine Na, group 3 received HBO therapy, and group 4 was given both enoxaparine Na and HBO treatment.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between the control and enoxaparine Na groups regarding adhesions. Statistically significant differences were observed between groups 1 and 4 and between groups 1 and 3 regarding the hydroxyproline content of the abdominal wounds. In the pathologic analysis of the abdominal wounds, there was no statistically significant difference between any of the groups, including the control group, regarding inflammation. Statistically significant differences were observed regarding angiogenesis between the control group and groups 3 and 4. There was also a statistically significant difference regarding fibrosis between groups 1 and 4.

CONCLUSIONS

Enoxaparine Na decreased intra-abdominal adhesions, and HBO therapy had no beneficial effect on adhesions. Enoxaparine Na had no harmful effects on wound healing, and HBO therapy increased the process of wound healing.

Novel drug development opportunities for heparin

The glycosaminoglycan heparin has been used in the clinic as an anticoagulant for more than 50 years. A fully characterized sequence in native heparin is known to be responsible for this activity. However, heparin is a complex polysaccharide, which has an array of properties that are unrelated to its anticoagulant activity. Recent research has provided us with an increased understanding of the specific structural requirements for the various actions of heparin, indicating that it might be possible to create 'tailor-made' sequences based on the heparin template to isolate specific therapeutic activities. This research should provide the basis for novel drug treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer and various inflammatory diseases.