Hepatocyte growth factor in serum after injection of unfractionated and low molecular weight heparin in healthy individuals

Soluble heparin displaces the cytokine hepatocyte growth fatter (HGF) from heparan sulphate proteoglycans on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix into the circulation. We examined serum HGF elevation after heparin injections, and whether there is a difference between unfractionated hepar in (UH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in their ability to increas e serum HGF. 20 healthy individuals were randomized to a single injection o f intravenous or subcutaneous UH or LMWH. There was a significant increase in HGF From pretreatment values. This HGF was bioactive. When these prepara tions were compared on the basis of their serum concentrations (anti-factor Xa activity or molar concentrations), the increase in HGF was greater in i ndividuals receiving UH than LMWH. When UH or LMWH were administered over a 5d period, the increase in HGF as well as the difference between treatment s to induce HGF remained stable throughout the treatment, In Eve patients t reated with continuous intravenous heparin infusion HGF was increased throu ghout the treatment period of 5-7 d, In summary, the rise in bioactive HGF after heparin treatment was stable during continued treatment, UH was more potent in inducing HGF increase than LMWH, both after a single injection an d after several days of treatment.