8. Olah - Anticoagulants Flashcards
What is the key sequence of unfractionated heparin (UFH)?
The pentasaccharide sequence, it is often sulfonated w/ lots of negative charges
Is heparin present in the human body?
Yes, in mast cells, but does not act as an endogenous anticoagulant
What is heparan sulfate?
An anticoagulant found on the outside of blood vessels, and it is an endogenous anticoagulant.
What kind of mixture is UFH?
UFH is a heterogenous mixture of varying sizes, meaning it contains a collection of repeating saccharide units in all sorts of sizes.
What is the MOA of UFH?
UFH bind and activates antithrombin, which will inhibit the activity of factor IIa (thrombin) and factor Xa
What does SERPIN stand for?
Serine Protease Inhibitor, antithrombin is the endogenous SERPIN
How is UFH considered an indirect thrombin inhibitor?
UFH causes clotting factor to attack antithrombin and become trapped in a complex
What are the 2 steps of UFH binding to antithrombin?
- 3 residues of UFH bind w/ low affinity
- Conformational change in antithrombin allows for additional high affinity binding and antithrombin activation - allows more binding to antithrombin to increase its activation
Why does binding of UFH make antithrombin more active?
Hint there’s 2 reasons
- UFH cause a conformational change in antithrombin, causing the active site to become more accessible (to thrombin or Xa)
- Proximity effect - UFH provides a scaffold for both antithrombin and thrombin
SERPIN MOA is also called what?
Suicide inhibition
What are the 5 steps of Suicide Inhibition?
- Antithrombin is recognized by protease (IIa and Xa)
- Protease attacks Antithrombin
- Conformational change in protease disrupts its catalytic triad and deacylation is prevented
- Prevented deacylation- no free active protease is generated
- “Receptor” proteins recognize trapped complex and is cleared from circulation by the liver
What is the quick summary of Suicide Inhibition?
Major anticoagulant effect of UFH results from its ability to promote the antithrombin-mediated inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa
What is the purpose of anticoagulant drugs?
To prevent the formation of new clots and inhibit the existing clot from becoming bigger. They will not disrupt or lose an existing clot.
What type of pharmacokinetic response does UFH have?
Unpredictable/varying response, requires lots of pt monitoring, binds to plasma and other proteins
What are the two big side effects/toxicity of UFH? What are the other 2 side effects?
- Bleeding
- Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
- Osteoperosis, from long time, high dose use
- Mild changes in hepatic function
What is the antidote/reversal agent of bleeding from UFH? And what is its MOA?
Administration of protamine sulfate, which will bind to the negative charges preventing UFH-antithrombin interactions
What are the two types of HIT?
HIT type 1 and HIT type 2
What is HIT type 1?
Nonimmune, observed in early heparin exposure, causes platelet aggregation and consumption but a clinical effect may not be seen. Eventually, platelet counts often return to normal.
What is HIT type 2?
Immunologic, antibodies develop against heparin-platelet factor 4 complex. Leads to a 50% decrease in platelet counts, and thrombosis may also be seen.
What are the two low molecular weight heparin drugs?
- Enoxaparin
2. Dalteparin
What is the main difference between UFH and LMWH?
LMWH contains smaller weight mixtures of polysaccharides
What is the same between UFH and LMWH?
- Heterogenous mixture of polysaccharides
- Retains the pentasaccharide sequence (necessary for antithrombin activation)
- ~1/3 of LMWH and UFH are the pentasaccharide sequence
What is the MOA of LMWH?
Inhibition of factor Xa
Can LMWH inhibit thrombin?
LMWH lacks the scaffold necessary for thrombin, but since LMWH inhibits Xa, it will indirectly inhibit thrombin.
What are the pharmacokinetic advantages of LMWH over UFH?
- Higher bioavailability
2. More predictable response w/ less pt-pt variations
What are the indications for LMWH usage?
Hint, there’s 2
- Prophylaxis and treatment of DVT/PE - useful post-op
2. Management of ACS
What is fondaparinux?
A synthetic pentasaccharide, based on the active moiety of heparin - contains only a single molecule, no heterogeneous mixture
What is the MOA of fondaparinux?
Promotes a conformational change in antithrombin, enhancing activity against Xa. No direct activity is seen on thrombin.
What are the advantages of fondaparinux vs. heparins?
Hint, there’s 5
- Synthetic
- Homogenous prep
- Longer half life
- More predictable anticoagulant effects
- Unlikely to induce HIT - no interaction w/ platelets and platelet-factor 4