Development of a novel polycationic adsorbent for cryogel removal

Cryogel, prevalent in the plasma of rheumatism patients, is a plasma fibron ectin (pFN)-extra domain A containing FN (EDA(+)FN)-fibrinogen (Fbg) comple x formed by adding heparin (HP) at a low temperature (4 degreesC). Although EDA(+)FN does not usually exist in normal plasma, its prevalence in rheuma tic patients: causes cryogelation in plasma. Removal of cryogel is thus a p romising and novel approach to treating rheumatism. As HP-EDA(+)FN aggregat e, which is induced by the main component of cryogel, is considered to be a n anion, cationic materials capable of eliminating this anionic conjugate w ere innovated in this study. We found that an amino group density of 100-13 0 mu mol/g (dry weight) of adsorbents prompted selective adsorption of the EDA(+)FN-HP complex. Elimination of EDA(+)FN as high as 80% accompanied by removal of the components of total FN (pFN) (10%) and Fbg (10%) in the mode l patient plasma was established. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.