Dominique Helley

Université Paris Descartes, Paris, Ile-de-France, France

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Publications (18)79.93 Total impact

  • Article: Successful use of eculizumab in a patient with post-transplant thrombotic microangiopathy.
    British Journal of Haematology 01/2013; · 4.94 Impact Factor
  • Article: Endothelial colony-forming cells from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria are not PIGA mutated.
    British Journal of Haematology 01/2013; · 4.94 Impact Factor
  • Article: Tie2-dependent knockout of α6 integrin subunit in mice reduces post-ischaemic angiogenesis.
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    ABSTRACT: Integrins α6β1 and α6β4 are receptors for laminins, the main components of the basement membrane underlying the endothelial cells. In vitro, α6 integrin subunit (α6) expression at the surface of endothelial cells and their progenitors (EPCs) is up-regulated by pro-angiogenic growth factors and is crucial for adhesion, migration, and pseudotube formation. We investigated the role for α6 in post-ischaemic vascular repair in vivo. We used the cre-lox system to generate a mouse line with specific α6 gene deletion in Tie2-lineage cells. In a model of hind-limb ischaemia, Tie2-dependent α6 deletion reduced neovessel formation and reperfusion of the ischaemic limb. Concerning the role for α6 in post-ischaemic vasculogenesis, we showed previously that α6 was required for EPC recruitment at the site of ischaemia. Here, we found that α6 deletion also reduced EPC mobilization from the bone marrow after ischaemia. Examination of the ischaemic muscles showed that Tie2-dependent α6 deletion decreased the recruitment of pro-angiogenic Tie2-expressing macrophages. In the Matrigel plug assay, fibroblast growth factor-2-induced vascularization was diminished in mice lacking endothelial α6. To specifically investigate the role for α6 in angiogenesis, aortic rings were embedded in Matrigel or collagen and cultured ex vivo. In Matrigel, neovessel outgrowth from rings lacking α6 was strongly diminished, whereas no genotype-dependent difference occurred for rings in collagen. α6 plays a major role in both post-ischaemic angiogenesis and vasculogenesis.
    Cardiovascular research 04/2012; 95(1):39-47. · 5.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: Antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria receiving eculizumab.
    British Journal of Haematology 04/2011; 153(6):789-91. · 4.94 Impact Factor
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    Article: Marine polysaccharides: a source of bioactive molecules for cell therapy and tissue engineering.
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    ABSTRACT: The therapeutic potential of natural bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, especially glycosaminoglycans, is now well documented, and this activity combined with natural biodiversity will allow the development of a new generation of therapeutics. Advances in our understanding of the biosynthesis, structure and function of complex glycans from mammalian origin have shown the crucial role of this class of molecules to modulate disease processes and the importance of a deeper knowledge of structure-activity relationships. Marine environment offers a tremendous biodiversity and original polysaccharides have been discovered presenting a great chemical diversity that is largely species specific. The study of the biological properties of the polysaccharides from marine eukaryotes and marine prokaryotes revealed that the polysaccharides from the marine environment could provide a valid alternative to traditional polysaccharides such as glycosaminoglycans. Marine polysaccharides present a real potential for natural product drug discovery and for the delivery of new marine derived products for therapeutic applications.
    Marine Drugs 01/2011; 9(9):1664-81. · 3.85 Impact Factor
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    Article: Marine Polysaccharides: A Source of Bioactive Molecules for Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering
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    ABSTRACT: The therapeutic potential of natural bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, especially glycosaminoglycans, is now well documented, and this activity combined with natural biodiversity will allow the development of a new generation of therapeutics. Advances in our understanding of the biosynthesis, structure and function of complex glycans from mammalian origin have shown the crucial role of this class of molecules to modulate disease processes and the importance of a deeper knowledge of structure-activity relationships. Marine environment offers a tremendous biodiversity and original polysaccharides have been discovered presenting a great chemical diversity that is largely species specific. The study of the biological properties of the polysaccharides from OPEN ACCESS Mar. Drugs 2011, 9 1665 marine eukaryotes and marine prokaryotes revealed that the polysaccharides from the marine environment could provide a valid alternative to traditional polysaccharides such as glycosaminoglycans. Marine polysaccharides present a real potential for natural product drug discovery and for the delivery of new marine derived products for therapeutic applications.
    Mar. Drugs. 01/2011; 9:1664-1681.
  • Article: alpha6-integrin subunit plays a major role in the proangiogenic properties of endothelial progenitor cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Alpha6 integrin subunit (alpha6) expression is increased by proangiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor. This increase correlates with enhanced in vitro tube formation by endothelial cells and their progenitors called endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs). We thus studied the role of alpha6 in vasculogenesis induced by human ECFCs, in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia. We used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to inhibit alpha6 expression on the surface of ECFCs. For in vivo studies, human ECFCs were injected intravenously into a nude mouse model of unilateral hind limb ischemia. Transfection with siRNA alpha6 abrogated neovessel formation and reperfusion of the ischemic hind limb induced by ECFCs (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). It also inhibited ECFC incorporation into the vasculature of the ischemic muscle (P<0.001). In vitro, siRNA alpha6 inhibited ECFC adhesion (P<0.01), pseudotube formation on Matrigel, migration, and AKT phosphorylation (P<0.0001), with no effect on cell proliferation or apoptosis. alpha6 Expression is required for ECFC migration, adhesion, recruitment at the site of ischemia, and the promotion of the postischemic vascular repair. Thus, we have demonstrated a major role of alpha6 in the proangiogenic properties of ECFCs.
    Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 08/2010; 30(8):1569-75. · 6.37 Impact Factor
  • Article: Evaluation of hemostasis and endothelial function in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria receiving eculizumab.
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    ABSTRACT: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis through unknown mechanisms. We studied 23 patients with PNH, before and after five and 11 weeks of treatment with eculizumab. We examined markers of thrombin generation and reactional fibrinolysis (prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), D-dimers, and plasmin antiplasmin complexes (P-AP), and endothelial dysfunction tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1), endothelial microparticles (EMPs), and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). At baseline, vWF, sVCAM-1, the EMP count, and F1+2 and D-dimer levels were significantly elevated in the patients, including those with no history of clinical thrombosis. Treatment with eculizumab was associated with significant decreases in plasma markers of coagulation activation (F1+2, P=0.012, and D-dimers, P=0.01), and reactional fibrinolysis (P-AP, P=0.0002). Eculizumab treatment also significantly reduced plasma markers of endothelial cell activation (t-PA, P=0.0005, sVCAM-1, P<0.0001, and vWF, P=0.0047) and total (P=0.0008) and free (P=0.0013) TFPI plasma levels. Our results suggest a new understanding of the contribution of endothelial cell activation to the pathogenesis of thrombosis in PNH. The terminal complement inhibitor, eculizumab, induced a significant and sustained decrease in the activation of both the plasma hemostatic system and the vascular endothelium, likely contributing to the protective effect of eculizumab on thrombosis in this setting.
    Haematologica 04/2010; 95(4):574-81. · 6.42 Impact Factor
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    Article: Endothelial dysfunction in systemic lupus patients with low disease activity: evaluation by quantification and characterization of circulating endothelial microparticles, role of anti-endothelial cell antibodies.
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    ABSTRACT: We attempted to evaluate endothelial dysfunction and the role of AECAs in systemic lupus (SL) with low disease activity. We quantified endothelial microparticles (EMps) and attempted to find the best flow cytometry method for that purpose. CD105, CD144 and CD146 were tested, individually or in combination, on EMp-enriched plasma. Twenty-three healthy blood donors and 27 SL patients were evaluated. SL patients with a SLEDAI <10 (median 2.6) were evaluated in our outpatient clinic. For each patient, EMps (CD105-CD146(+), CD45(-)) and AECAs were quantified and characterized. The monochrome composite marker CD105-CD146 appeared to be the most efficient in detecting EMps. SL patients had more circulating EMps than healthy donors: respective median values were 2575 and 130 EMps/microl (P < 0.001). SL patients had more CD54(+) and CD54(-) EMps than healthy donors (496 vs 34 EMps CD54(+)/microl, P < 0.0001; 1875 vs 89 EMps CD54(-)/microl, P < 0.0001). The ratio CD54(+) EMps/total EMps was lower for lupus patients than for healthy individuals (20.3 vs 33.7%, P = 0.03). Twenty-four patients (89%) were positive for AECAs. EMp counts were not significantly higher for patients with AECAs. Monochrome composite marker is efficient in detecting the whole population of EMps using flow cytometry. SL patients with low disease activity have a marked endothelial dysfunction. EMps released from the endothelium originate from activated and non-activated cells. AECAs do not seem to be the main cause of endothelial dysfunction in this population.
    Rheumatology (Oxford, England) 03/2010; 49(6):1049-55. · 4.24 Impact Factor
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    Article: Salvage therapy with bevacizumab-sunitinib combination after failure of sunitinib alone for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a case series.
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    ABSTRACT: We present a case series of seven patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with bevacizumab (10 mg/kg) in combination with sunitinib 25-50 mg as salvage therapy after disease progression under sunitinib monotherapy. Two patients had a partial response, four had stable disease, and one patient had disease progression. After a median follow-up of 17.2 mo, median progression-free survival and overall survival were 8.5 and 15.1 mo, respectively. Two patients experienced exacerbation of their preexisting hypertension; there were no grade 4 toxicities. The bevacizumab-sunitinib combination in sunitinib-refractory patients seems active and has a tolerable toxicity profile.
    European urology 02/2009; 56(1):207-11; quiz 211. · 7.67 Impact Factor
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    Article: Effect of low molecular weight fucoidan and low molecular weight heparin in a rabbit model of arterial thrombosis.
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    ABSTRACT: Therapeutic use of unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) is limited by hemorrhagic adverse effects. We compared the antithrombotic effect of LMW fucoidan (LMWF) and LMWH in an experimental model. Thrombosis was induced in femoral arteries of male New Zealand White rabbits by in situ induction of endothelial apoptosis with staurosporine (10(-5)M for 30 min). Starting the day before apoptosis induction, the animals received subcutaneous LMWF (15 mg/kg), LMWH (enoxaparin 2.5 mg/kg) or saline solution (control group) twice a day for 4 days. The degrees of apoptosis and endothelial denudation were similar in the 3 groups. The thrombotic score was significantly lower in the LMWF group than in the LMWH and control groups (p = 0.01). Tissue factor expression was significantly lower in the LMWF group than in the control and LMWH groups (p = 0.01). The plasma concentration of tissue factor pathway inhibitor was significantly increased after LMWF injection (137 +/- 28 vs. 102 +/- 17; p = 0.01), whereas no change was observed after LMWH treatment. LMWF did not prolong the bleeding time or decrease platelet aggregation. LMWF appeared to be more effective than LMWH for preventing arterial thrombosis in this experimental model. LMWF also had a lower hemorrhagic risk than LMWH.
    Journal of Vascular Research 06/2008; 45(6):529-37. · 2.65 Impact Factor
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    Article: Platelet microparticles: a potential predictive factor of survival in hormone-refractory prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel-based chemotherapy.
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    ABSTRACT: Several studies suggest a causal relationship between platelet activation and cancer metastasis. Activated platelet microparticles (PMPs) release vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which play a major role in angiogenesis. We conducted a prospective, nonrandomised, single-centre study in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) patients to determine the impact of PMPs on the outcome. Eligible chemonaive and metastatic HRPC patients received docetaxel-based chemotherapy and a low dose of prednisone. PMPs in whole blood were quantified before the start of chemotherapy through flow cytometry using an anti-CD41a monoclonal antibody, and plasma VEGF and bFGF were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The primary end point was to evaluate the impact of the PMPs on overall survival (OS). We also studied the statistical interaction between PMPs and platelets and their relationship with OS. The median PMP value was used to sort patients into two groups. Data of 43 consecutive HRPC patients treated in a single French centre were analysed. Significant correlations were observed between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS), platelets, and PMP level. The median OS was significantly shorter for patients with >6867 PMPs per microl of whole blood than for those with lower values (16.7 vs 26.4 mo, p=0.013). A significant relationship was found between OS and PMPs, whereas a statistical interaction term between PMPs and platelets was significantly associated with OS (p=0.019). No association was found between OS and plasma VEGF and bFGF. In the multivariate analysis, only baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and ECOG PS remained significantly predictive of risk of death. In HRPC patients, PMPs and their interaction with platelets were predictive of outcome. A biologic association between PMPs and the OS of HRPC patients, independent of chemotherapy regimen, should be demonstrated by confirmatory prospective studies.
    European urology 06/2008; 56(3):479-84. · 7.67 Impact Factor
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    Article: Effect of an oversulfated exopolysaccharide on angiogenesis induced by fibroblast growth factor-2 or vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro.
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    ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine the angiogenic properties of an oversulfated exopolysaccharide (OS-EPS) derived from a polysaccharide secreted by the mesophilic bacterium Alteromonas infernus. We compared the effect of this OS-EPS with that of a non-oversulfated exopolysaccharide (EPS) on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, migration and differentiation induced by basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). OS-EPS enhanced HUVEC proliferation by 58% when used alone, and by respectively 30% and 70% in the presence of FGF-2 and VEGF. OS-EPS also increased the density of tubular structures on Matrigel in the presence of FGF-2 or VEGF. Vascular tube formation was related to alpha(6) integrin subunit expression, which was enhanced by 50% in the presence of the growth factors. Indeed, a monoclonal anti-alpha(6) blocking antibody abolished this vascular tube formation. EPS had no effect in any of the experimental conditions, underlying the importance of sulfation in the angiogenic effects of exopolysaccharide. By potentiating the angiogenic activity of FGF-2 and/or VEGF, OS-EPS, which possesses low anticoagulant activity and thus a low hemorrhagic risk, could potentially be used to accelerate vascular wound healing or to promote the growth of collateral blood vessels in ischemic tissues.
    Biochemical Pharmacology 04/2005; 69(5):751-9. · 4.70 Impact Factor
  • Article: Low molecular weight fucoidan and heparin enhance the basic fibroblast growth factor-induced tube formation of endothelial cells through heparan sulfate-dependent alpha6 overexpression.
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    ABSTRACT: Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) activates its high-affinity receptors (FGFRs) but also acts through interaction with heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). Exogenous polysaccharides also modulate the angiogenic activity of FGF-2. We investigated the effect and mechanism of action of a low molecular weight fucoidan derivative (LMWF) on tube formation by human endothelial cells. LMWF has a better arterial antithrombotic potential in animals than low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). After stimulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by FGF-2 and LMWF (or LMWH), we observed 1) using flow cytometry, an increase in the amount of the alpha6 integrin subunit; 2) using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, an increase in alpha6 mRNA (higher with LMWF than with LMWH); and 3) using a Matrigel model, an increase in vascular tube formation (also higher with LMWF than with LMWH). A direct link between alpha6 overexpression and vascular tube formation was confirmed by use of an anti-alpha6 antibody: in its presence, there was no capillary network formation on Matrigel. Unexpectedly, an anti-FGFR blocking antibody had no effect on alpha6 over-expression, whereas stripping off the heparan sulfate with heparitinases abolished overexpression. Overall, our data suggest that FGF-2 stimulates alpha6 over-expression in HUVEC, through HSPG but independently from FGFR, and that LMWF (or LMWH) modulates this interaction. Expression of heparan sulfate proteoglycan increases after ischemic injury. Given its antithrombotic properties and its ability to potentiate tube formation of endothelial cells, LMWF may have to be considered for revascularization of ischemic areas.
    Molecular Pharmacology 10/2003; 64(3):696-702. · 4.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: A fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from echinoderm modulates in vitro fibroblast growth factor 2-dependent angiogenesis.
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    ABSTRACT: Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FucCS), a glycosaminoglycan obtained from sea cucumber, has the same structure as mammalian chondroitin sulfate, but some of the glucuronic acid residues display sulfated fucose branches. This new polysaccharide has a more favorable effect than heparin on vascular cell growth. It inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation as heparin, and it has a potent enhancing effect on endothelial cell proliferation and migration in the presence of heparin-binding growth factors. We now extend our studies to the effect of this glycosaminoglycan on endothelial cells to an in vitro angiogenesis model on Matrigel. FucCS, in the presence of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), strongly increases the capacity of endothelial cells to form vascular tubes on Matrigel with a well-organized capillary-like network and typical closed structures. Comparison between the activity of native and chemically modified chondroitin sulfate from sea cucumber reveals that the sulfated fucose branches are the structural motif for the proangiogenic activity. Heparin does not induce angiogenesis in this experimental model. We also have evidence for the proposition that endothelial cell proliferation is not the sole event involved in the in vitro FGF-2-induced angiogenesis. It implies a variety of other modifications of the endothelial cells and of their interaction with the extracellular matrix, such as integrin expression and actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Finally, the proangiogenic effect of FucCS, concomitant with its capacity to prevent venous and arterial thrombosis, in animal models makes this new glycosaminoglycan a promising molecule with possible beneficial effects in pathological conditions affecting blood vessels such as the neovascularization of ischemic areas.
    Molecular Cancer Research 01/2003; 1(2):96-102. · 4.29 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effect of fucoidan on fibroblast growth factor-2-induced angiogenesis in vitro.
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    ABSTRACT: Fucoidans are sulfated polysaccharides extracted from brown marine algae. A purified fucoidan fraction exhibits the same venous antithrombotic activity as heparin in rabbits, but with a lower anticoagulant effect. Because of its heparin-like structure, we postulated that fucoidan might modulate heparin-binding angiogenic growth factor activity. We thus studied its effect, at antithrombotic concentrations, on fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2-induced proliferation and differentiation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The fucoidan effect on endothelial cell differentiation was evaluated by studying the expression of surface proteins (i.e. integrin, adhesion molecule) known to be modulated by FGF-2 and involved in angiogenesis, and by quantifying closed areas delimited by vascular tubes formed on reconstituted basement membrane. Fucoidan had no modulatory effect on the mitogenic activity of FGF-2, but significantly increased tubular structure density induced by FGF-2. Fucoidan alone increased alpha(6) integrin subunit expression with only partially organized tubular structure. In the presence of FGF-2, fucoidan enhanced alpha(6), beta(1) and PECAM-1 and inhibited alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression. Heparin had no effect in these systems. The most striking effect of fucoidan was observed on alpha(6) expression and tube formation was abolished by monoclonal anti-alpha(6) antibodies. Fucoidan plus FGF-2 effect on alpha(6) expression was markedly decreased by monoclonal anti-FGF-2 antibodies, indicating that fucoidan acts mainly via FGF-2. These results show that, at antithrombotic concentrations, contrary to heparin, fucoidan can enhance vascular tube formation induced by FGF-2 with a modulation of the expression of surface proteins (mainly alpha(6)) involved in angiogenesis.
    Thrombosis Research 06/2002; 106(4-5):213-21. · 2.44 Impact Factor
  • Article: Increased VEGFR2 expression during human late endothelial progenitor cells expansion enhances in vitro angiogenesis with up-regulation of integrin alpha(6).
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    ABSTRACT: In vitro expansion of late endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) might yield a cell therapy product useful for myocardial and leg ischaemia, but the influence of EPC expansion on the angiogenic properties of these cells is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of in vitro EPC expansion on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor expression. EPCs were obtained from CD34(+) cord blood cells and expanded for up to 5 weeks. Real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that VEGFR2 expression, contrary to VEGFR1 and VEGFR3 expression, was significantly higher on expanded EPCs than on freshly isolated CD34(+) cells or on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Quantitative flow cytometry confirmed that VEGFR2 density on EPCs increased during the expansion process and was significantly higher than on HUVECs. The impact of VEGFR2 increase was studied on the three theoretical steps of angiogenesis, i.e., EPC proliferation, migration and differentiation. VEGFR2 up-regulation had no effect on VEGF-induced cell proliferation, but significantly enhanced EPC migration and pseudotubes formation dependent on integrin alpha(6) subunit overexpression. In vitro expansion of late EPCs increases the expression of VEGFR2, the main VEGF receptor, with possible implications for EPC-based angiogenic therapy.
    Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 11(5):1149-61. · 4.13 Impact Factor
  • Article: Characterization, chemical modifications and in vitro anticoagulant properties of an exopolysaccharide produced by Alteromonas infernus
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    ABSTRACT: A new low-molecular-weight ‘heparin-like’ component was obtained from an exopolysaccharide produced by a mesophilic strain found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Data concerning the structure of the native high-molecular-weight exopolysaccharide (106 g/mol, 10% sulfate content) are reported for the first time. Two depolymerization processes were used to obtain low-molecular-weight (24–35×103 g/mol) oversulfated fractions (sulfate content 20 or 40%). Nuclear magnetic resonance studies indicated that after sulfation (40%), the low-molecular-weight fraction obtained by free radical depolymerization was less sulfated in the 6-O-position than the fraction depolymerized by acid hydrolysis. The free radical depolymerized product also had sulfated residues in the 4-O-position and disulfated ones in the 2,3-O-positions. Moreover, the compounds generated by the free radical process were more homogeneous with respect to molecular mass. Also for the first time, the anticoagulant activity of the low-molecular-weight exopolysaccharide fractions is reported. When the fractions obtained after sulfation and depolymerization were compared with heparins, anticoagulant activity was detected in oversulfated fractions, but not in native exopolysaccharide. The free radical depolymerized fraction inhibited thrombin generation in both contact-activated and thromboplastin-activated plasma, showing a prolonged lag phase only in the contact-activated assay. Affinity co-electrophoresis studies suggested that a single population of polysaccharide chains binds to antithrombin and that only a subpopulation strongly interacts with heparin cofactor II.
    Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects.