Heparin Cofactor Research Articles

A Hexasaccharide Containing Rare 2-O-Sulfate-Glucuronic Acid Residues Selectively Activates Heparin Cofactor II.

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) sequences that selectively target heparin cofactor II (HCII), a key serpin present in human plasma, remain unknown. Using a computational strategy on a library of 46 656 heparan sulfate hexasaccharides we identified a rare sequence consisting of consecutive glucuronic acid 2‐O‐sulfate residues as selectively targeting HCII. This and four other unique hexasaccharides were chemically synthesized. The designed sequence was found to activate HCII ca. 250‐fold, while leaving aside antithrombin, a closely related serpin, essentially unactivated. This group of rare designed hexasaccharides will help understand HCII function. More importantly, our results show for the first time that rigorous use of computational techniques can lead to discovery of unique GAG sequences that can selectively target GAG‐binding protein(s), which may lead to chemical biology or drug discovery tools.

Alpha-2-macroglobulin and heparin cofactor II and the vulnerability of carotid atherosclerotic plaques: An iTRAQ-based analysis

Rupture of carotid atherosclerotic plaque may cause stroke, while few biomarker in clinic can evaluate carotid plaque vulnerability. In this study, we divided the recruited participants into no plaque, stable plaque, and vulnerable plaque group according to carotid ultrasonography, and screened the differentially expressed proteins in plasma of these participants using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation labeling coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. 28 proteins were identified differentially expressed, among which alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) and heparin cofactor II (HCII) were found to be at hub position in the interactions of these proteins by STRING analysis and were selected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurement to assess their relevance with carotid plaques vulnerability and diagnostic efficiency. The plasma level of α2M was found positively correlated, while HCII level was negatively correlated with higher vulnerability of carotid plaques. Both proteins were efficient in differentiating stable and vulnerable carotid plaques. These findings provide potential new targets for the research of carotid plaque vulnerability. Plasma α2M and HCII may be potential biomarkers for evaluation of the vulnerability of carotid plaques if further studied.

Heparin Cofactor II: A Novel Plausible Link of Obesity and Diabetes with Thrombosis

Heparin Cofactor II: A Novel Plausible Link of Obesity and Diabetes with Thrombosis

The Role of Heparin Cofactor Ⅱ in the Regulation of Insulin Sensitivity and Maintenance of Glucose Homeostasis in Humans and Mice.

Aim: Accelerated thrombin action is associated with insulin resistance. It is known that upon activation by binding to dermatan sulfate proteoglycans, heparin cofactor II (HCII) inactivates thrombin in tissues. Because HCII may be involved in glucose metabolism, we investigated the relationship between plasma HCII activity and insulin resistance.Methods and Results: In a clinical study, statistical analysis was performed to examine the relationships between plasma HCII activity, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in elderly Japanese individuals with lifestyle-related diseases. Multiple regression analysis showed significant inverse relationships between plasma HCII activity and HbA1c (p = 0.014), FPG (p = 0.007), and HOMA-IR (p = 0.041) in elderly Japanese subjects. In an animal study, HCII+/+ mice and HCII+/− mice were fed with a normal diet or high-fat diet (HFD) until 25 weeks of age. HFD-fed HCII+/− mice exhibited larger adipocyte size, higher FPG level, hyperinsulinemia, compared to HFD-fed HCII+/+ mice. In addition, HFD-fed HCII+/− mice exhibited augmented expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and tumor necrosis factor, and impaired phosphorylation of the serine/threonine kinase Akt and AMP-activated protein kinase in adipose tissue compared to HFD-fed HCII+/+ mice. The expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase was also enhanced in the hepatic tissues of HFD-fed HCII+/− mice.Conclusions: The present studies provide evidence to support the idea that HCII plays an important role in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis by regulating insulin sensitivity in both humans and mice. Stimulators of HCII production may serve as novel therapeutic tools for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Structure and anticoagulant property of a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from the green seaweed Monostroma angicava

An anticoagulant-active polysaccharide PF2 was extracted with boiling water from the green seaweed Monostroma angicava, further purified by anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. PF2 was a rhamnan-type sulfated polysaccharide with molecular weight of about 88.1kDa. Results of chemical and spectroscopic analyses demonstrated that PF2 consisted of→3)-α-l-Rhap-(1→ and →2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→residues, with partially branches at C-2 of→3)-α-l-Rhap-(1→residues. Sulfate groups were substituted at C-3 of →2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→ residues. The sulfated polysaccharide PF2 had a high anticoagulant action, and the mechanism of anticoagulant activity mediated by PF2 was mainly attributed to strong potentiation thrombin by heparin cofactor II. PF2 also exhibited weak effect on antithrombin-dependent thrombin or factor Xa inhibition. The fibrin(ogen)olytic activity and thrombolytic activity of PF2 were also evaluated. The investigation revealed that PF2 was a novel sulfated rhamnan differing from previously described sulfated polysaccharides from green seaweed and could be a potential anticoagulant polysaccharide.

Idarucizumab, a Specific Antidote for Dabigatran, Cross-Reacts with Melagatran and May Also Interact with Other Benzamidine-Containing Compounds

Introduction: Dabigatran etexilate is a pro-drug which is used to prevent embolic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. This oral anticoagulant is also approved for other indications in Europe. As with all anticoagulants, there is a potential for serious hemorrhage with dabigatran usage which may require antidotes to control bleeding. Idarucizumab is an anti-dabigatran Fab fragment (Boehringer-Ingelheim) that binds to the benzamidine group on dabigatran and inhibits its anti-thrombin activity. Idarucizumab has recently been approved by the US FDA for the control of bleeding associated with dabigatran.Materials and Methods: Such antithrombin agents as argatroban, melagatran, hirudin, and bivalirudin, human antithrombin, thrombomodulin, heparin cofactor II, and heparin-AT complex were commercially obtained. Anti-factor Xa agents (rivaroxaban, apixaban and DX-9065a were also obtained from various sources To test the specificity of the inhibitory effects of idarucizumab, each of these agents were supplemented to whole blood and citrated plasma at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 µg/mL. Idarucizumab was added to each mixture at a concentration of 1 mg/mL and anticoagulant activities were assessed using PT, aPTT, thrombin time and chromogenic anti-IIa/Xa and flurometric thrombin generation assays.Results: Idarucizumab itself did not produce any anticoagulant effects on whole blood or plasma clotting profile. However it showed a slight procoagulant effect in the whole blood and plasma based assays. It produced a strong concentration dependant inhibition of both dabigatran and melagatran. The antibody showed strong specificity for the inhibition of dabigatran amd melagatran and did not affect the anticoagulant and other effects of the other synthetic and natural thrombin and FXa inhibitors. The prolongation of the PT, APTT and thrombin time by melagatran was completely inhibited by idarucizumab. Idarucizumab more effectively inhibited the prolongation of thrombin time by dabigatran than the prolongation induced by melagatran.Discussion: The cross-reactivity of idarucizumab with melagatran may result from the presence of a common benzamidine pharmacophore which is present in both of these anticoagulant agents. Since the benzamidine pharmacophore is present in a number of serine protease inhibitors as well as drugs such as pentamidine, propamidine and dibromopropamidine. These observations suggest that simultaneous administration of idarucizumab may compromise the pharmacodynamics profile of benzamidine derived drugs such as the anti-malarials, anti-psychotic, anti-fungal and other compounds. Thus there is a need for a systemic screening of idarucizumab for its potential interactions with drugs containing benzamidine based therapeutic agents. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Proteomics reveals the effects of sustained weight loss on the human plasma proteome.

Sustained weight loss is a preferred intervention in a wide range of metabolic conditions, but the effects on an individual's health state remain ill‐defined. Here, we investigate the plasma proteomes of a cohort of 43 obese individuals that had undergone 8 weeks of 12% body weight loss followed by a year of weight maintenance. Using mass spectrometry‐based plasma proteome profiling, we measured 1,294 plasma proteomes. Longitudinal monitoring of the cohort revealed individual‐specific protein levels with wide‐ranging effects of losing weight on the plasma proteome reflected in 93 significantly affected proteins. The adipocyte‐secreted SERPINF1 and apolipoprotein APOF1 were most significantly regulated with fold changes of −16% and +37%, respectively (P < 10−13), and the entire apolipoprotein family showed characteristic differential regulation. Clinical laboratory parameters are reflected in the plasma proteome, and eight plasma proteins correlated better with insulin resistance than the known marker adiponectin. Nearly all study participants benefited from weight loss regarding a ten‐protein inflammation panel defined from the proteomics data. We conclude that plasma proteome profiling broadly evaluates and monitors intervention in metabolic diseases.

Polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates of Sanguisorba officinalis L. with anticoagulant activity mediated mainly by heparin cofactor II

A macromolecular complex has been isolated from the dried flowering parts of medicinal plant Sanguisorba officinalis L. (So) by multi-step extraction procedure, including that with extraction by organic solvents to degrease the plant material, then with hot alkali, followed by neutralization, partitioning with organic solvents and dialysis. The complex was purified by size-exclusion chromatography into five fractions labeled as So1-So5. Individual fractions differed in the chemical composition and molecular weight distribution patterns. In vitro anticoagulant activity tests showed in all fractions more or less important inhibition of plasma clots, however, So3 and So4 were the most active. The anticoagulant activity of So3 was even more significant than that of the unfractionated complex So. These S. officinalis conjugates were able to inhibit mainly the activity of thrombin when they were mediated by heparin cofactor II, but what was unexpected they were the non-direct inhibitors of factor Xa, mediated by antitrombin, where such mechanism of action is typical for a highly sulphated glycosaminoglycans.

Depolymerization of Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate with a Modified Fenton-System and Anticoagulant Activity of the Resulting Fragments.

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (fCS) from sea cucumber Isostichopus badionotus (fCS-Ib) with a chondroitin sulfate type E (CSE) backbone and 2,4-O-sulfo fucose branches has shown excellent anticoagulant activity although has also show severe adverse effects. Depolymerization represents an effective method to diminish this polysaccharide’s side effects. The present study reports a modified controlled Fenton system for degradation of fCS-Ib and the anticoagulant activity of the resulting fragments. Monosaccharides and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of the resulting fragments indicate that no significant chemical changes in the backbone of fCS-Ib and no loss of sulfate groups take place during depolymerization. A reduction in the molecular weight of fCS-Ib should result in a dramatic decrease in prolonging activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time. A decrease in the inhibition of thrombin (FIIa) by antithromin III (AT III) and heparin cofactor II (HCII), and the slight decrease of the inhibition of factor X activity, results in a significant increase of anti-factor Xa (FXa)/anti-FIIa activity ratio. The modified free-radical depolymerization method enables preparation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) oligosaccharides suitable for investigation of clinical anticoagulant application.

Changes in the plasma proteome at asymptomatic and symptomatic stages of autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease.

The autosomal dominant form of Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD) is far less prevalent than late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD), but enables well-informed prospective studies, since symptom onset is near certain and age of onset is predictable. Our aim was to discover plasma proteins associated with early AD pathology by investigating plasma protein changes at the asymptomatic and symptomatic stages of ADAD. Eighty-one proteins were compared across asymptomatic mutation carriers (aMC, n = 15), symptomatic mutation carriers (sMC, n = 8) and related noncarriers (NC, n = 12). Proteins were also tested for associations with cognitive measures, brain amyloid deposition and glucose metabolism. Fewer changes were observed at the asymptomatic than symptomatic stage with seven and 16 proteins altered significantly in aMC and sMC, respectively. This included complement components C3, C5, C6, apolipoproteins A-I, A-IV, C-I and M, histidine-rich glycoprotein, heparin cofactor II and attractin, which are involved in inflammation, lipid metabolism and vascular health. Proteins involved in lipid metabolism differed only at the symptomatic stage, whereas changes in inflammation and vascular health were evident at asymptomatic and symptomatic stages. Due to increasing evidence supporting the usefulness of ADAD as a model for LOAD, these proteins warrant further investigation into their potential association with early stages of LOAD.

Production, purification and characterization of recombinant human antithrombin III by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Background: Antithrombin III (ATIII) is a protein that inhibits abnormal blood clots (or coagulation) by breaking down thrombin and factor Xa. ATIII helps to keep a healthy balance between hemorrhage and coagulation. The present work demonstrated the production, purification and characterization of recombinant human antithrombin (rhAT) from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741 was demonstrated. After expression of rhAT by S. cerevisiae , the biomass and rhAT concentration were analyzed through fed-batch fermentation process. Results: In fed-batch fermentation, the biomass (maximum cell dry weight of 11.2 g/L) and rhAT concentration (312 mg/L) of the expressed rhAT were achieved at 84 h of cultivation time. The maximum cell lysis efficiency (99.89%) was found at 8 s sonication pulse and 7 mL lysis buffer volume. The rhAT protein solution was concentrated and partially purified using cross-flow filtration with the recovery yield and purity of 95 and 94%, respectively. The concentrated solution was further purified by the single step ion exchange chromatography with the recovery yield and purity of 55 and ≥ 98%, respectively. The purified rhAT was characterized by various analytical techniques, such as RP-HPLC, FT-IR, CD, SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The biological activity of rhAT was analyzed as heparin cofactor to meet the therapeutic grade applications. Conclusions: The simple, cost-effective and economically viable nature of the process used in the present study for the production of rhAT will be highly beneficial for the healthcare sector. This may also be used to produce other value-added therapeutic recombinant proteins expressed in S. cerevisiae , with greater effectiveness and ease.

Identification of potential targets for an anticoagulant pectin

Heparin is a sulfated polysaccharide of animal origin showing excellent anticoagulant properties. Although it strongly inhibits the coagulation cascade, its interaction with multiple sites results in several side effects. An ideal alternative compound should not only possess anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities, but also provide specific binding to components of the coagulation cascade to decrease side effects and facilitate the control of pharmacologic actions in patient's body. In this work, we performed a scan of potential targets for chemically sulfated pectin from Citrus sinensis (SCP) that shows an efficient anticoagulant activity by combining proteomics and molecular docking techniques. Defining the interaction partners of SCP is fundamental to evaluate if its pharmacological side effects can be as harmful as those from heparin. SCP interacts directly with heparin cofactor II, probably favoring its interaction with thrombin. SCP interaction with antithrombin depends likely on its association with thrombin or factor Xa. In addition to the interaction with factors related to homeostasis, SCP may also act on the renin-angiotensin and on the complement systems. Biological significanceThe knowledge of potential molecular targets of SCP provides clues to understand its mechanism of action in order to guide molecular changes in this compound to increase its specificity.

Role of Aromatic Amino Acids in Lipopolysaccharide and Membrane Interactions of Antimicrobial Peptides for Use in Plant Disease Control

KYE28 (KYEITTIHNLFRKLTHRLFRRNFGYT-LR), the representative sequence of helix D of heparin co-factor II, was demonstrated to be potent against agronomically important Gram-negative plant pathogens Xanthomonas vesicatoria and Xanthomonas oryzae, capable of inhibiting disease symptoms in detached tomato leaves. NMR studies in the presence of lipopolysaccharide provided structural insights into the mechanisms underlying this, notably in relationship to outer membrane permeabilization. The three-dimensional solution structure of KYE28 in LPS is characterized by an N-terminal helical segment, an intermediate loop followed by another short helical stretch, and an extended C terminus. The two termini are in close proximity to each other via aromatic packing interactions, whereas the positively charged residues form an exterior polar shell. To further demonstrate the importance of the aromatic residues for this, a mutant peptide KYE28A, with Ala substitutions at Phe(11), Phe(19), Phe(23), and Tyr(25) was designed, which showed attenuated antimicrobial activity at high salt concentrations, as well as lower membrane disruption and LPS binding abilities compared with KYE28. In contrast to KYE28, KYE28A adopted an extended helical structure in LPS with extended N and C termini. Aromatic packing interactions were completely lost, although hydrophobic interaction between the side chains of hydrophobic residues were still partly retained, imparting an amphipathic character and explaining its residual antimicrobial activity and LPS binding as observed from ellipsometry and isothermal titration calorimetry. We thus present key structural aspects of KYE28, constituting an aromatic zipper, of potential importance for the development of novel plant protection agents and therapeutic agents.

Loss of Biglycan Enhances Thrombin Generation in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice: Implications for Inflammation and Atherosclerosis.

Thrombin signaling promotes atherosclerosis by initiating inflammatory events indirectly through platelet activation and directly via protease-activated receptors. Therefore, endogenous thrombin inhibitors may be relevant modulators of atheroprogression and cardiovascular risk. In addition, endogenous thrombin inhibitors may affect the response to non-vitamin K-dependent oral anticoagulants. Here, the question was addressed whether the small leucine-rich proteoglycan biglycan acts as an endogenous thrombin inhibitor in atherosclerosis through activation of heparin cofactor II. Biglycan concentrations were elevated in the plasma of patients with acute coronary syndrome and in male Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice. Biglycan was detected in the glycocalyx of capillaries and the subendothelial matrix of arterioles of ApoE(-/-) mice and in atherosclerotic plaques. Thereby a vascular compartment is provided that may mediate the endothelial and subendothelial activation of heparin cofactor II through biglycan. ApoE and Bgn double-deficient (ApoE(-/-)/Bgn(-/0)) mice showed higher activity of circulating thrombin, increased platelet activation and platelet adhesion in vivo, supporting a role of biglycan in balancing thrombin activity. Furthermore, concentrations of circulating cytokines and aortic macrophage content were elevated in ApoE(-/-)/Bgn(-/0) mice, suggesting a proinflammatory phenotype. Elevated platelet activation and macrophage accumulation were reversed by treating ApoE(-/-)/Bgn(-/0) mice with the thrombin inhibitor argatroban. Ultimately, ApoE(-/-)/Bgn(-/0) mice developed aggravated atherosclerosis. The present results indicate that biglycan plays a previously unappreciated protective role during the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting thrombin activity, platelet activation, and finally macrophage-mediated plaque inflammation.

Clinical use and the Italian demand for antithrombin.

Antithrombin (AT) is a single-stranded glycoprotein synthesised in the liver with a plasma concentration of approximately 150 μg/mL and a molecular weight of approximately 59,000 Da1. It is a complex molecule with multiple biologically important properties. It is a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) that inactivates many enzymes in the coagulation cascade2,3. Indeed, it is the key inhibitor of the coagulation system and is estimated to provide 80% of the inhibitory activity against thrombin but it also inhibits activated factors X, IX, VII, XI, and XII. AT has a great affinity for thrombin and is also known as heparin cofactor as it is responsible for the anticoagulant effect of heparin. Heparins markedly accelerate the rate of complex formation between AT and the serine proteases thus increasing AT inhibitory activity 5,000–40,000-fold4. AT also has remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, several of which result from its actions in the coagulation cascade. Other anti-inflammatory properties of AT involve direct interactions with endothelial cells, leading to the release of prostacyclin, which also mediates its anti-platelet effect3. In addition, recent evidence of interactions of the endothelial cell growth factors bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) and VEGF (vascular endothelial cell growth factor) with a heparin-like molecule in matrix provide the rationale for further investigation into the possible role of AT as a potent anti-angiogenic factor5. Normal values of AT activity in the plasma range from 80% to 120%. In normal conditions, its biological half-life is 1.5–2.5 days. In conditions of acquired deficiency and in the presence of heparin, the half-life of AT can be notably shorter, being reduced to only a few hours6.

A panel of glycoproteins as candidate biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment evaluation of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BackgroundAcute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common malignant cancer in childhood. The signs and symptoms of childhood cancer are difficult to recognize, as it is not the first diagnosis to be considered for nonspecific complaints, leading to potential uncertainty in diagnosis. The aim of this study was to perform proteomic analysis of serum from pediatric patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) to identify candidate biomarker proteins, for use in early diagnosis and evaluation of treatment.MethodsSerum samples were obtained from ten patients at the time of diagnosis (B-ALL group) and after induction therapy (AIT group). Sera from healthy children were used as controls (Control group). The samples were subjected to immunodepletion, affinity chromatography with α-d-galactose-binding lectin (from Artocarpus incisa seeds) immobilized on a SepharoseTM 4B gel, concentration, and digestion for subsequent analysis with nano-UPLC tandem nano-ESI-MSE. The program ExpressionE was used to quantify differences in protein expression between groups.ResultsA total of 96 proteins were identified. Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), Clusterin (CLU), thrombin (F2), heparin cofactor II (SERPIND1), alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), alpha-2-antiplasmin (SERPINF2), Alpha-1 antitrypsin (SERPINA1), Complement factor B (CFB) and Complement C3 (C3) were identified as candidate biomarkers for early diagnosis of B-ALL, as they were upregulated in the B-ALL group relative to the control and AIT groups. Expression levels of the candidate biomarkers did not differ significantly between the AIT and control groups, providing further evidence that the candidate biomarkers are present only in the disease state, as all patients achieved complete remission after treatment.ConclusionA panel of protein biomarker candidates has been developed for pre-diagnosis of B-ALL and also provided information that would indicate a favorable response to treatment after induction therapy.

Abstract 12495: Enhanced Thrombin Activity in Biglycan-deficient Mice Promotes Vascular Inflammation in Murine Atherosclerosis

Introduction: Thrombin signalling initiates inflammatory events directly and through activation of platelets. Endogenous and pharmacologic inhibitors of thrombin are therefore of relevance during atheroprogression and for therapeutic intervention. The small leucine-rich proteoglycan biglycan (BGN) is thought to inhibit thrombin activity by activation of heparin cofactor II. Hypothesis: Genetic deletion of BGN affects thrombin activity, inflammation and atherosclerosis. Methods:Male mice deficient in apolipoprotein E and BGN (ApoE-/-/Bgn-/0) were compared with their ApoE-/- littermates. Results: In ApoE-/- mice BGN was detected in the plasma and subendothelial matrix of capillaries, arterioles and in atherosclerotic plaques. In line with a role of BGN in balancing thrombin activity, ApoE-/-/Bgn-/0 mice exhibited higher activity of circulating thrombin and greater platelet activation than did ApoE-/- mice. Furthermore, higher concentrations of circulating cytokines in ApoE-/-/Bgn-/0 mice suggested a proinflammatory phenotype. Accordingly, isolated peritoneal macrophages released elevated concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in response to Toll-like receptor stimulation. Immunohistochemistry and FACS analysis of the aorta demonstrated increased macrophage content in atherosclerotic lesions. Furthermore, ApoE-/-/Bgn-/0 mice exhibited higher aortic plaque burden and larger atherosclerotic lesions at the aortic root. Treatment with the thrombin inhibitor argatroban reversed platelet activation and aortic macrophage accumulation in ApoE-/-/Bgn-/0 mice. Finally, ApoE-/-/Bgn-/0 mice exhibited progressive dilation of the aortic arch, a pathological finding corroborated by markedly reduced collagen fibril density. Conclusions: The present results indicate that BGN plays a previously unappreciated protective role during progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting thrombin activity and platelet activation, and ultimately macrophage-mediated plaque inflammation.

NLF20: an antimicrobial peptide with therapeutic potential against invasive Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

Increasing resistance to antibiotics makes antimicrobial peptides interesting as novel therapeutics. Here, we report on studies of the peptide NLF20 (NLFRKLTHRLFRRNFGYTLR), corresponding to an epitope of the D helix of heparin cofactor II (HCII), a plasma protein mediating bacterial clearance. Peptide effects were evaluated by a combination of in vitro and in vivo methods, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity assays, fluorescence and electron microscopy, and experimental models of endotoxin shock and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis. The results showed that NLF20 displayed potent antimicrobial effects against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa, the Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus and the fungi Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. Importantly, this antimicrobial effect was retained in human blood, particularly for P. aeruginosa. Fluorescence and electron microscopy studies showed that the peptide exerted membrane-breaking effects. In an animal model of P. aeruginosa sepsis, NLF20 reduced bacterial levels, resulting in improved survival. Reduced mortality was also observed in experimental animal models of endotoxin shock, which was paralleled with modulated IFN-γ, IL-10 and coagulation responses. Together, these results indicate that functional epitopes of HCII may have therapeutic potential against bacterial infection.

Features of coagulation hemostasis and anticoagulation system in patients with chronic heart failure due to ischemic heart disease

Aim. To study the features of coagulant and anticoagulant systems in patients with varoious functional classes of congestive heart failure secondary to coronary heart disease (according to New York Heart Association criteria) and to determine the most informative method for diagnosing the hemostasis disorders.&#x0D; Methods. 82 patients with congestive heart failure, who had previously survived myocardial infarction with Q-wave formation, and left ventricle ejection fraction (by Simpson) less than 50%, were included. Average age was 54.0 [50.0-64.0] years. Control group of 30 healthy people was formed. All patients were allocated to two groups. 1st group included patients with I-II functional class of congestive heart failure (n=57), 2nd group - patients with III-IV functional class of congestive heart failure (n=25). Activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin and fibrinogen levels, international normalized ratio, heparin cofactor activity of antithrombin, D-dimer level were measured in blood serum.&#x0D; Results. Only D-dimer level and heparin cofactor activity of antithrombin were changed in the main group compared to the controls. D-dimer level in patients of the general group was 0.2 [0.2-0.4] mg/L versus 0.2 [0.2-0.2] mg/L in control group (p=0.000064). There was no obvious deficit of heparin cofactor activity of antithrombin in patients with congestive heart failure, but the values were lower in the main group - 90.5 [82,7-100,4]% compared to the control group - 102 [90,0-104,0]% (p=0.0068). In subgroups, there were indicators (prothrombin, international normalized ratio, D-dimer) that changed according to the functional class. The lowest values of prothrombin were found in patients with III-IV functional class, the highest - in patients with I-II functional class. Indicators (prothrombin, INR, D-dimer) which changing with the growth of CHF FC were identified by separating the patients into subgroups. FC, the largest - in patients with FC I-II. Serum D-dimer level increased in accordance with congestive heart failure functional class (р1-2=0.0065).&#x0D; Conclusion. Congestive heart failure contributes to prothrombotic changes in hemostasis. The severity increases with increasing congestive heart failure functional class. D-dimer is the most sensitive marker of hemostasis activation at congestive heart failure. This parameter should be included in the routine hemostasis testing in patients with congestive heart failure.

The Anticoagulation Effects of Glycosaminoglycan from &lt;em&gt;Mactra veneriformis&lt;/em&gt;

In this study, the anticoagulation effect of glycosaminoglycan from <em>Mactra veneriformis</em> was studied. The results showed that glycosaminoglycan mainly exerted anticoagulation via antithrombin III. Glycosaminoglycan could passivate the function of heparin cofactor II inhibiting thrombin activity. Glycosaminoglycan significantly reduced the activities of coagulation factor II, V, VII, X, VIII, IX, XI, XII as well as fibrinogen content in the plasma (p<0.05, p<0.01). Besides, glycosaminoglycan could extend blood recalcification time in rats by shielding Ca²⁺ in plasma and significantly reduced Ca²⁺ concentration in rats and mice serum (p<0.05, p<0.01). Glycosaminoglycan reduced the Ca2+ concentration in serum in a more intensive way than that of heparin sodium (p<0.05, p<0.01).