Heparin sodium, a sulfated polysaccharide belonging to the family of glycosaminoglycans, has numerous important biological activities associated with its interaction with diverse proteins. Heparin is used as an anticoagulant primarily through its interaction with AT III by enhancing AT-IIImediated inhibition of blood coagulation factors, including thrombin and factor Xa. Heparin prevents the induction of autophagy.