Lipolytic and anticoagulant activities of a low molecular weight fragment of heparin

Abstract

Low MW heparin (LMWH) and standard heparin were given i.v. to 6 healthy subjects receiving a continuous infusion of Intralipid. After infusion, antifactor Xa, antithrombin III and coagulation activity (Normotest) were the same for both heparins. Activated partial thromboplastin time increased significantly, but the increase was much higher after standard heparin (+ 473%) than after LMWH (+ 48%). The increase in lipoprotein lipase activity was less pronounced after LMWH infusion. This resulted in a smaller decrease in Intralipid-triglyceride concentration and a smaller increase in both plasma FFA [free fatty acid] concentration and Intralipid-triglyceride concentration and Intralipid fractional removal rate compared to standard heparin. The plasma lipolytic potential of LMWH is weaker may therefore be preferable to standard heparin as an antithrombotic agent in clinical situations where a high plasma lipolytic activity may b e disagvantageous.