Sulodexide is a highly purified mixture of glycosaminoglycans composed of low molecular weight heparin

Low molecular weight heparin

In medicine, low-molecular-weight heparin is a class of medication used as an anticoagulant in diseases that feature thrombosis, as well as for prophylaxis in situations that lead to a high risk of thrombosis....

 (80%) and dermatan sulfate

Dermatan sulfate

Dermatan sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan found mostly in skin, but also in blood vessels, heart valves, tendons, and lungs....

 (20%).

Pharmacology

The low molecular weight of both sulodexide fractions allows for extensive oral absorption compared to unfractionated heparin

Heparin

Heparin , also known as unfractionated heparin, a highly sulfated glycosaminoglycan, is widely used as an injectable anticoagulant, and has the highest negative charge density of any known biological molecule...

. The pharmacological effects of sulodexide differ substantially from other glycosaminoglycans and are mainly characterized by a prolonged half-life and reduced effect on global coagulation and bleeding parameters. Due to the presence of both glycosaminoglycan fractions, sulodexide potentiates the antiprotease activities of both antithrombin III and heparin cofactor II

Heparin cofactor II

Heparin cofactor II, a protein encoded by the SERPIND1 gene, is a coagulation factor that inhibits IIa, and is a cofactor for heparin and dermatan sulfate...

 simultaneously.

Uses

Clinically, sulodexide is used for the prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic diseases however recent research has also demonstrated the beneficial effects of sulodexide in animal models of reperfusion injury

Reperfusion injury

Reperfusion injury is the tissue damage caused when blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of ischemia or lack of oxygen. The absence of oxygen and nutrients from blood during the ischemic period creates a condition in which the restoration of circulation results in inflammation and...

 and the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy , also known as Kimmelstiel-Wilson syndrome, or nodular diabetic glomerulosclerosis and intercapillary glomerulonephritis, is a progressive kidney disease caused by angiopathy of capillaries in the kidney glomeruli. It is characterized by nephrotic syndrome and diffuse...

.
In combination with Melatonin

Melatonin

Melatonin , also known chemically as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a naturally occurring compound found in animals, plants, and microbes...

, Sulodexide have been shown to be a viable treatment option for patients suffering from central or sensorineural tinnitus.