Multifunctional applications and research advances of low-molecular-weight heparin

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is a class of anticoagulant drugs derived from the controlled depolymerization of heparin. LMWH possesses a lower molecular weight and a shorter glycan chain length than unfractionated heparin (UFH), resulting in higher bioavailability, a more predictable pharmaco...

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Main Authors: Yanru Zhang, Shuixian Guo, Jingchao Xu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Pharmacology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1585762/full
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author Yanru Zhang
Shuixian Guo
Jingchao Xu
author_facet Yanru Zhang
Shuixian Guo
Jingchao Xu
author_sort Yanru Zhang
collection DOAJ
description Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is a class of anticoagulant drugs derived from the controlled depolymerization of heparin. LMWH possesses a lower molecular weight and a shorter glycan chain length than unfractionated heparin (UFH), resulting in higher bioavailability, a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile, and consequently, a more convenient administration route. These characteristics make LMWH a primary choice for thromboprophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis. LMWH is clinically indicated for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolic diseases. Its role in obstetric complications, inflammation modulation, and antitumor therapy is also increasingly being recognized. The objective of this review was to systematically summarize the progress of LMWH research and to thoroughly explore its mechanisms of action and clinical indications. By analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of LMWH, evaluating its safety and adverse reactions, discussing the challenges in its clinical application, and proposing future research directions, in this review, we aim to promote the application and development of LMWH in a broader range of fields.
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spelling doaj-art-7a54aea74cf544fe9ebe958fa2e994722025-08-20T01:55:21ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Pharmacology1663-98122025-05-011610.3389/fphar.2025.15857621585762Multifunctional applications and research advances of low-molecular-weight heparinYanru ZhangShuixian GuoJingchao XuLow-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is a class of anticoagulant drugs derived from the controlled depolymerization of heparin. LMWH possesses a lower molecular weight and a shorter glycan chain length than unfractionated heparin (UFH), resulting in higher bioavailability, a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile, and consequently, a more convenient administration route. These characteristics make LMWH a primary choice for thromboprophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis. LMWH is clinically indicated for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolic diseases. Its role in obstetric complications, inflammation modulation, and antitumor therapy is also increasingly being recognized. The objective of this review was to systematically summarize the progress of LMWH research and to thoroughly explore its mechanisms of action and clinical indications. By analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of LMWH, evaluating its safety and adverse reactions, discussing the challenges in its clinical application, and proposing future research directions, in this review, we aim to promote the application and development of LMWH in a broader range of fields.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1585762/fulllow-molecular-weight heparinanticoagulant effectclinical applicationmechanism of actionpharmacokineticspersonalized treatment
spellingShingle Yanru Zhang
Shuixian Guo
Jingchao Xu
Multifunctional applications and research advances of low-molecular-weight heparin
Frontiers in Pharmacology
low-molecular-weight heparin
anticoagulant effect
clinical application
mechanism of action
pharmacokinetics
personalized treatment
title Multifunctional applications and research advances of low-molecular-weight heparin
title_full Multifunctional applications and research advances of low-molecular-weight heparin
title_fullStr Multifunctional applications and research advances of low-molecular-weight heparin
title_full_unstemmed Multifunctional applications and research advances of low-molecular-weight heparin
title_short Multifunctional applications and research advances of low-molecular-weight heparin
title_sort multifunctional applications and research advances of low molecular weight heparin
topic low-molecular-weight heparin
anticoagulant effect
clinical application
mechanism of action
pharmacokinetics
personalized treatment
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1585762/full
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