Inhaled Argon Gas Modulates Microglial Activity in Septic Shock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for neurological consequences of septic shock are ineffective and often cause harmful side effects due to a lack of understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved, with existing gas treatments primarily focusing on cerebral deficiencies rather than inflammatory phenomena causing short- and long-term neurological damage.

Innovation Solution

A gaseous composition containing argon for inhalation, which protects the brain from inflammatory phenomena responsible for neurological damage in septic shock, with argon concentrations ranging from at least 10% to 80% by volume, potentially combined with oxygen and other gases, administered via inhalation for short or extended periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing gas treatments (xenon, nitrous oxide) are used to treat cerebral deficiencies, then cerebral dysfunction may be improved, but they do not effectively address inflammatory phenomena causing neurological damage in septic shock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidapplicability to inflammatory phenomena
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the gas treatment by substituting xenon/nitrous oxide with argon-based gas compositions (10-80% argon, preferably 20-50% argon). This parameter change enables the treatment to effectively address inflammatory phenomena and microglial activation in septic shock while maintaining neuroprotective effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adopts the concept of inhaled gas treatment from existing cerebral deficiency treatments but creates a new composition adapted for septic shock. The argon-based composition copies the delivery method and neuroprotective approach of xenon treatments while modifying the chemical composition to specifically target inflammatory mechanisms in septic encephalopathy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If conventional molecules are used to treat encephalopathy, then treatment may be provided, but they prove ineffective or cause harmful side effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of treatmentVSAvoidside effects and ineffectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional pharmacological molecules with a physical gas-based treatment. Instead of using chemical drugs that interact with biological systems through complex molecular mechanisms, the invention uses inhaled argon gas that exerts neuroprotective effects through physical dissolution and modulation of cellular function, avoiding the harmful side effects associated with conventional encephalopathy treatments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple, readily available gas composition that can be administered through standard inhalation equipment. The argon-based treatment uses a straightforward gas mixture that can be delivered via mask or ventilator, eliminating the need for complex drug formulations and reducing treatment complexity compared to conventional molecular therapies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of information

If there is no specific understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms in septic shock, then treatment development is hindered, but this lack of understanding leads to ineffective therapies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelack of pathophysiological understandingVSAvoidefficacy of treatment
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective action by administering argon gas before or during the onset of neurological damage in septic shock. The gas pre-conditions the brain by modulating microglial activity and reducing inflammatory mediator release, creating a protective state that prevents subsequent neurological injury even when the full pathophysiological mechanisms are not completely understood

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Argon-based gas compositions effectively prevent or treat neurological damage by modulating microglial activity and reducing inflammatory mediators, as demonstrated in in-vitro and in-vivo studies, showing improved survival rates and reduced neuropathological changes in animal models of septic shock.

Implementation Method 1

A gaseous composition containing argon for inhalation, which protects the brain from inflammatory phenomena responsible for neurological damage in septic shock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInhalation:

Data Source

PatentEP2906228B1Use of argon to prevent or treat the neurological consequences of a septic shock
Publication Date: 2017.06.07 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

AI summary

The invention concerns a gaseous composition containing gaseous argon for use by inhalation in order to prevent or treat at least one neurological consequence secondary to a septic shock in a patient.