Effect of sulodexide on plasma transforming growth factor-beta1 in healthy volunteers.

It is unknown whether the glycosaminoglycan drug sulodexide interferes with transforming growth factor-beta1--a member of heparin-binding family and a potent regulator of human biology and diseases. Hence, a 2-week pilot study was performed in 11 healthy men. Sulodexide was initially administered intravenously in a single dose, then--orally for 12 days and--again intravenously on study completion.

Sulodexide induces hepatocyte growth factor release in humans.

Heparin influences numerous pleiotropic growth factors, including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), partially by their release from endothelial and extracellular matrix stores. The effects of sulodexide, a heparin-like glycosaminoglycan medication of growing importance in medicine, on HGF liberation are not known. We performed a 2-week open-label sulodexide trial in healthy male volunteers.