# Retrospective Study of the Use of Heparins in Pregnant Women and in vitro Testing on the HCT 116 Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Line

## TL;DR

This study examines the safety of heparins in pregnant women and their anti-cancer effects on colorectal cancer cells.

## Contribution

The paper reports new in vitro anti-migratory and pro-apoptotic effects of heparins on HCT 116 colorectal carcinoma cells.

## Key findings

- 44.6% of pregnant women administered heparins showed no administration risks.
- Heparins showed significant anti-migratory effects on HCT 116 cells with wound healing rates of 2.6% and 14.52%.
- Apoptosis signs suggest pro-apoptotic potential of heparins in colorectal cancer cells.

## Abstract

Pregnant women manifest an increased risk of developing coagulation disorders. Unfractionated heparin (HEP) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWHep) are considered as selective medication in the case of pregnancy which needs anticoagulant treatment. In addition to anticoagulant properties, HEP and its derivatives manifest other properties including anti-cancer potential. According to Globocan’s latest data, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most encountered form of malignancy in the case of women, manifesting some special particularities, as confusion of symptoms from cancer with symptoms encountered normally in pregnant women (such as constipation or rectal bleeding), delayed diagnosis because of limitations imposed both for the fetus and for the mother, and the need for special treatment.

The aim of the present work is to follow the incidence and safety of consumption of HEP and LMWHep in the case of pregnant women and to analyze their potential on the HCT 116 colorectal carcinoma cells.

Analyzing the consumption of heparins in case of pregnant women hospitalized from 01.01.2022 to 31.12.2022 at the Pius Brînzeu” Emergency Clinical Hospital from Timisoara, Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic I, it was observed that 44,6% of the patients were administered the following medication and no administration risks were observed. When tested on HCT 116 cells, heparins manifested a significant anti-migratory effect (with wound healing rates of 2,6%, when tested with HEP 100 UI concentration and 14.52% wound healing rates in case of fraxiparine 100 UI). In addition, different signs of apoptosis were observed, suggesting the pro-apoptotic potential of the tested substances.

Heparins remain the preferred medication to be administered to pregnant women with the potential for coagulation disorders, showing a high safety profile. Testing on the cancerous line of colorectal carcinoma highlights important properties that stimulate future studies, to establish the anti-tumor potential and the exact mechanism of action.