Galectin-3 Plasmapheresis Using Selective Plasma Adsorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevated levels of biologically active galectins, particularly galectin-3, exacerbate a wide range of diseases and conditions including inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer progression, complicating medical treatments and posing challenges in reducing their circulating concentrations using existing methods.
Innovation Solution
Plasmapheresis is employed to selectively remove biologically active galectins such as galectin-3 from mammalian circulation by separating plasma, either through admixture with binding agents or passage over solid supports, followed by returning the treated plasma to the body, optionally combined with gal-3 blockers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If plasmapheresis is used to remove galectins from circulation, then the concentration of harmful galectins is reduced, but the complexity of the treatment device and procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by removing plasma containing galectin-3 from whole blood through centrifugal separation, then selectively adsorbing galectin-3 from the isolated plasma using specific binding agents before returning the treated plasma to the patient. This targeted extraction approach reduces harmful galectin levels while minimizing unnecessary manipulation of other blood components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous adsorbent materials functionalized with galectin-binding agents (such as beta-galactoside derivatives) within the plasma processing system. These porous materials provide high surface area for selective galectin-3 binding and removal from plasma, enabling efficient purification while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Reliability
If plasmapheresis treatment is administered frequently to maintain low galectin-3 levels, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the time and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing porous adsorbent materials with high-capacity galectin-binding agents before use in the plasmapheresis system. This preparation ensures that when plasma is processed, galectin-3 removal occurs rapidly and efficiently in a single treatment session, reducing the need for frequent repeat procedures and maximizing therapeutic effectiveness per treatment event.
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
Significant reduction of circulating galectin-3 levels inhibits inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer progression, enhancing the effectiveness of conventional therapies and improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Plasmapheresis is employed to selectively remove biologically active galectins such as galectin-3 from mammalian circulation by separating plasma
Implementation Method 2
either through admixture with binding agents or passage over solid supports
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.