Heparin plays a key role in allergic and inflammatory reactions

2021-01-12 12:43:59

In an international collaboration between Germany and Switzerland, scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have found that heparin plays a key role in mast cell driven allergic and inflammatory reactions. This study was published in the recent issue of immunity, and some new views on the biological function of heparin were put forward.

Heparin research has a long history in Karolinska Medical College, Sweden. In 1935, Professor Erik jorpes first purified the substance and revealed its chemical structure. In recognition of the therapeutic significance of heparin, jorpes has become one of the pioneers in the treatment of patients with thrombosis. So far, heparin is still one of the commonly used anticoagulants.

Professor jorpes has shown that heparin is produced by mast cells, a special group of cells derived from hematopoietic stem cells. Mast cells play a key role in allergic and inflammatory diseases. They increase vascular permeability and promote allergic and allergic reactions.

The potential mechanism and therapeutic significance of heparin have been clarified. The authors suggest that heparin can stimulate the production of bradykinin. Bradykinin can cause swelling, allergy and inflammation, which are usually considered to be related to the abnormal activity of mast cells.

This study provides an unexpected link between the coagulation cascade and mast cell driven pro-inflammatory response. Drugs blocking bradykinin or factor XII activity can protect patients and genetically engineered mouse models from the adverse effects of mast cell driving effect, which may be a new strategy for the treatment of allergic diseases.