Heparin
is a polypharmacological agent with anticoagulant activity. Periodate
oxidation of the nonsulfated glucuronic acid residue results in non-anticoagulant
heparin derivative (NACH) of reduced molecular weight. Similar treatment
of a low molecular weight heparin, dalteparin, also removes its anticoagulant
activity, affording a second heparin derivative (D-NACH). A full structural
characterization of these two derivatives reveals their structural
differences. SPR studies display their ability to bind to several
important heparin-binding proteins, suggesting potential new therapeutic
applications.