Effect of Heparin-like Compounds on the in Vitro Proliferation and Protein Synthesis of Various Cell Types

Previous studies have shown that heparin and heparin-like compounds inhibit the proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMC) both in vivo and in vitro. This anti-proliferative effect seems to be exerted almost exclusively on arterial SMC and related cell types. In the present study the effect of heparin (HTh) is compared with that of two sulfated glycosaminoglycans with low anticoagulant activity, sulodexide (SDX) and low molecular weight heparin (OP/LMWH) on cell proliferation and protein synthesis of 3 cell types: human arterial smooth muscle cells (SMC), fibroblast-like cells (BHK-21) and epithelial cells (rat hepatoma cells, FAO). HTh, SDX and OP/LMWH (5-100 micrograms/ml) are equally effective in reducing the proliferation of human arterial SMC. This inhibition is dose dependent and reversible. BHK-21 and FAO cells are even more sensitive than SMC to heparin-like compounds. For example 1 microgram/ml of heparin-like compounds is sufficient to produce 40-60% inhibition of FAO cell proliferation. In all types of cells HTh, SDX and OP/LMWH do not reduce the incorporation of 35S-methionine into cellular and medium proteins; they increase the radioactivity incorporated into some proteins secreted into the medium. In the case of SMC this effect is dependent on the concentration and the length of exposure to heparin-like compounds. These findings demonstrate that several cell types are sensitive to the anti-proliferative effect of heparin-like compounds.