This heparin-like polysulfated polysaccharide anticoagulant (MW = indefinite: CAS 37300-21-3), also called xylan polysulfate, xylan hydrogen sulfate, and Elmiron?, is a semi-synthetic inhibitor of the cell surface protease, often referred to as guanidinobenzoatase, associated with colonic carcinoma tissues. The polymer does not, however, bind to the guanidinobenzoatase isoenzyme of normal colon epithelial cell surfaces. Pentosan polysulfates electrostatically block the action of antithrombin III and heparin cofactor II inhibition. Xylan polysulfate also binds to cationic proteins, such as ribonuclease H, inhibiting the latter. The sodium salt of this polymer is a slightly hygroscopic white solid that is freely soluble in water. Note that the name is ambiguous, also referring to the sulfated polymer of any pentose. See also Xylans Target(s): alcohol dehydrogenase; calcium oxalate crystal growth; cAMP-dependent protein kinase; cathepsin B1, or cathepsin B; cathepsin G9; coagulation factor VIIIa; guanidinobenzoatase; hyaluronidase;protein kinase C; protein-serine/threonine kinases; proteintyrosine kinase; and ribonuclease H.
