title: Dialysis-related amyloidosis and clinical significance of extracorporeal removal of beta2-microglobulin.
abstract: Dialysis amyloidosis is a frequent complication encountered in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis. beta2-Microglobulin (beta2M) is a causative protein of amyloidosis, and its deposition in the tissues has been proven to be a primary cause of the onset. As a therapeutic approach to dialysis-related amyloidosis, high flux dialysis membranes permitting the elimination of beta2M with satisfactory biocompatibility have been developed, and the resultant high flux membranes have been clinically introduced. Positive clinical effects have been observed both in retrospective and prospective studies of the use of high flux membranes, together with a decrease in serum beta2M level. However, it cannot be concluded that amyloid deposits are decreased when the elimination of beta2M is maintained by a dialysis technique with a high flux membrane for some period of time. In the present paper, we review the recent clinical studies on extracorporeal removal of beta2M as a therapeutic approach to amyloidosis.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gejyo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arakawa
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate