Heparanase Inhibition Reduces Glucose Levels, Blood Pressure, and Oxidative Stress in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial process. Emerging evidence highlights a role of the enzyme heparanase in various disease states, including atherosclerosis formation and progression. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of heparanase inhibition on blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and oxidative stress in apoE−/− mice. METHODS: Male apoE−/− mice were divided into two groups: one treated by the heparanase inhibitor PG545, administered intraperitoneally weekly for seven weeks, and the other serving as control group (injected with saline). Blood pressure was measured a day before sacrificing the animals. Serum glucose levels and lipid profile were measured. Assessment of oxidative stress was performed as well. RESULTS: PG545 significantly lowered blood pressure and serum glucose levels in treated mice. It also caused significant reduction of the serum oxidative stress. For safety concerns, liver enzymes were assessed, and PG545 caused significant elevation only of alanine aminotransferase, but not of the other hepatic enzymes. CONCLUSION: Heparanase inhibition by PG545 caused marked reduction of blood pressure, serum glucose levels, and oxidative stress in apolipoprotein E deficient mice, possibly via direct favorable metabolic and hemodynamic changes caused by the inhibitor. Possible hepatotoxic and weight wasting effects are subject for future investigation.