Biglycan and decorin are small dermatan sulfate-containing proteoglycans in the
extracellular matrix of the artery wall. The dermatan sulfate chains are known to stimulate
thrombin inhibition by heparin cofactor II (HCII), a plasma proteinase inhibitor that has been
detected within the artery wall. The purpose of this study was to analyze the HCII-stimulatory
activity of biglycan and decorin isolated from normal human aorta and atherosclerotic
lesions type II through VI and to correlate activity with dermatan sulfate chain composition …