Removal of Denatured Proteins with Artificial Reticuloendothelial System (ARES)

Abstract

Basic research has revealed that hydrophobic residues increased on the molecular surface of the denatured IgG and that the denatured proteins in the plasma can be removed by several sorbents of different amino acids bonded from polyvinylalcohol hydroxide residue with a covalent bond. Thus, an artificial reticulo-endothelial system was developed to supplement the human reticulo-endothelial system (RES) by removing denatured proteins from the patient's plasma. Clinically, angiitis and Raynaud's phenomenon associated with collagen disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus were remarkably reduced following a series of ARES treatments. The proteins adsorbed on the ARES were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Virtually no albumin was detected, and IgG (constant isoelectric point), IgM, IgA, IgA dimer, C₃, G₄, fibrinogen and other unidentified spots were found in the elute from the ARES column.