Sulodexide: a renewed interest in this glycosaminoglycan

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are the most abundant group of heteropolysaccharides found in the body. These long unbranched molecules contain a repeating disaccharide unit. GAGs are located primarily in the extracellular matrix or on the surface of cells. These molecules serve as lubricants in the joints while at the same time providing struc-tural rigidity to cells. Sulodexide is a highly purified glycosaminoglycan composed of a fast mobility heparin fraction as well as dermatan sulfate. Sulodexide differs from other glycosaminoglycans, like heparin, by having a longer half-life and a reduced effect on sys-temic clotting and bleeding. In addition, sulodexide demonstrates a lipolytic activity that is increased in comparison to heparin. Oral administration of sulodexide results in the re-lease of tissue plasminogen activator and an increase in fibrinolytic activities. An in-creasing body of research has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of sulodexide in a wide range of vascular pathologies