HEPARIN, HEPARINOIDS, SYNTHETIC POLYANIONS, AND ANIONIC DYES - OPPORTUNITIES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Review of native heparin action provides new applications for synthetic polyanions. Furor over dextran sulfate or suramin, anionic dyes as anti-AIDS or anti-tumor drugs forgets the past history of polyanions: As physiochemical combinants, reverse transcriptase inhibitors and immunoadjuvants. This goes back to Ehrlich and anionic dyes, S. S. Cohen and heparin, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers, and the macroanionic tungstates and heteropolymolybdates. Unfortunately, in this AIDS era, vaccine enhancing action of the polycarboxylate polymers Diveema (MVE, pyran copolymer) is still ignored. Their clinically effective anti-tumor potential requires intraperitoneal not intravenous use. Preclinical experience with newer sulfated native glycosaminoglycan heparin fractions should re-evaluate the place of synthetic polyanions for anti-coagulant, lipolytic (anti-atherosclerosis action), anti-inflammatory effects and DNA modulation. Inhibition of angiogenesis and smooth muscle proliferation via modulation of cytokines as well as oral absorption and endothelial localization provides new roles for polyanions of clinical value.