Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins: Reduced Size Particulate Systems for Improved Therapeutic Outcomes

Abstract

A wide range of diseases have been treated using low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), the drug of choice for anticoagulation. Owing to their better pharmacokinetic features compared to those of unfractionated heparin (uFH), several systems incorporating LMWHs have been investigated to deliver and improve their therapeutic outcomes, especially through development of their micro- and nano-particles. This review article describes current perspectives on the fabrication, characterization, and application of LMWHs-loaded micro- and nano-particles to achieve ameliorated bioavailability. The valuable applications of LMWH will continue to encourage researchers to identify efficient delivery systems that have specific release characteristics and ameliorated bioavailability, overcoming the challenges presented by biological obstructions and the physicochemical properties of LMWHs.

Inherited thrombophilia and anticoagulant therapy for women with reproductive failure

“…LMWH mainly inhibits factor Xa, but less thrombin. Thus, it exhibits a lower bleeding tendency due to its selectivity 86 …”

Production and Characterization of Melon Sulfated Pectin (Cucumis melo var. acidulus) Nanoparticles with Anticoagulant Potential

“…Therefore, with a longer release, the drug remained in the body for a longer time, because one of the main disadvantages of heparins is its low bioavailability and the need for many daily doses. 8 The DSC curves of the NPS show that the first event may be related to the release of acetyl groups that have been transformed into acetic acid and the successive catalytic degradation of the main chain at higher temperatures. The TG-DTG curve revealed no events related to the melting point of the drug.…”

“…Studies assert that the drug can be nanoencapsulated to improve its pharmacokinetic profile, improve treatment efficacy, minimize side effects and increase its chemical and conformational stability, confirming the efficiency of the nanoencapsulation of anticoagulant drugs. 7,8 Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to evaluate the anticoagulant activity of pectin isolated and later chemically sulfated and, from these results, produce and characterize a nanocarrier system to expand its therapeutic potential.…”

Production and characterization of low molecular weight heparin obtained by modified double emulsion method with solvent evaporation

“…Currently, thromboembolic diseases are responsible for a significant portion of morbidity and mortality. 1 The drugs of choice for coagulation disorders are unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). UFH has had problems with its use as an unpredictable effect requiring monitoring, risk of bleeding and thrombocytopenia because it acts directly on fibrin formation.…”