Glucono-delta-lactone Potentiates Anticoagulant Properties of Low Molecular Weight Heparin

Abstract

The heparins are a class of drug called anticoagulants. They are generally used to prevent or stop abnormal blood clotting, which can result in thrombosis. The clot, when formed in blood vessels, prevents or interrupts blood flow to vital tissue or organs resulting in injury and even death. Low molecular weight heparin is an effective drug used to prevent many types of clotting episodes. Therefore, agents that increase the anticoagulant properties of this drug could reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with many diseases. Glucono-delta-lactone, when added to human blood in a test tube, was found to significantly increase the clotting time. This is a marker for an agent of potential anticoagulant use.