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Various types of porous resin adsorbents based on polystyrene, agarose, and cellulose as matrixes coupling with DNA, amino acids and other biological active molecules as ligands were extensively studied in China. Molecular recognition between the ligand and pathogenic molecule was investigated. Several commercialized products are now widely used in hospitals all over China. Whole blood hemoperfusion is used to treat patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, uremia acute intoxication, and hyperbilirubinemia. Clinical performances of hundreds and thousands of patients treated by whole blood sorption therapy show that the therapy is safe, efficient, and cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whole blood immuno-adsorption (WBIA) system, using an adsorbent to remove pathogenic antibodies of Myasthenia Gravis (MG), was studied. Cellulose-tryptophan adsorbent was synthesized and purified in our lab. Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) rabbits were passively transferred with immunoglobulin from patients with myasthenia gravis. The rabbits underwent extracorporeal whole blood adsorption for 2 hours. Results showed no significant damage to blood cells and no changes in the concentrations of electrolytes. Total protein decreased by 12.6% (P<0.05) and globulin protein decreased 21.9% (P<0.05). The overall removal of antibodies against nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) was 49.85%. The percentage of decrement of compound muscle action potential in 3, 5, 10Hz of EAMG rabbits all dropped down after the treatment. The quantity of neuromuscular junctions per unit area (25 mm2) increased significantly after treatment (P<0.05). In conclusion, the adsorbent was biocompatible, safe for whole blood immuno-adsorption. Whole blood immuno-adsorption improved clinical manifestation and neuromuscular function of the passively transferred EAMG rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variations of membrane bound total sialic acid (TSA) and lipid peroxidation level dependent on the antioxidant enzyme activities such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) have been studied in yeast extract supplemented medium. The maximum SOD and CAT activities of F. equiseti tended to increase with raises of yeast extract concentration up to 25 g/L where they were determined to be 78.6 ± 0.96 and 312.7 ± 5.6 lU/mg. On the other hand, SOD and CAT activities in F. acuminatum significantly increased with the rise of yeast extract concentration up to 10 g/L (p < 0.01) and maximum activities were observed at this concentration as 36.3 ± 0.54 and 115.3 ± 2.19 IU/mg on the 12th day incubation. Other H2O2 scavenger enzyme, GSH-Px activities of F. equiseti and F. acuminatum were reached the maximum at 5 and 25 g/L yeast extract and determined as 5.06 ± 0.04 and 4.74 ± 0.09 IU/mg, respectively, TSA level showed positive correlation with SOD and CAT activities while LPO levels variations negatively correlated. The results may indicate that these antioxidant enzymes also appeared to be involved in protecting membrane bound sialic acids as well as membrane lipid of the fungus from exogenous reactive oxygen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole blood immunoadsorption (WBIA) system, using an adsorbent to remove pathogenic antibodies of myasthenia gravis (MG), was studied. Cellulose-tryptophan adsorbent was synthesized and its adsorption capacity of binding with acetylcholine receptor in the plasma of MG patient was evaluated. Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) rabbits were induced by Ta183–200 peptide. The rabbits underwent extracorporeal whole blood adsorption for 2 h. Results showed no significant damages on blood cells and no changes in the concentration of electrolytes. Total protein decreased by 12.0% (P < 0.05), and globulin protein decreased 23.9 ± 5.6% (P < 0.05). The mean overall removal of antibodies against Ta183–200 was 41.12%. The percentage of decrement of compound muscle action potential in 3, 5, 10 Hz of EAMG rabbits all dropped down after the treatment. In conclusion, the adsorbent is biocompatible, was safe for whole blood immunoadsorption, and can remove antibodies in an MG patient effectively. Whole blood immunoadsorption improved clinical manifestation and neuromuscular function of the EAMG rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]