title: α2-Macroglobulin: Autologous Protease Inhibition Technology.
abstract: α2-Macroglobulin (A2M) is a plasma glycoprotein best known for its ability to inhibit a broad spectrum of serine, threonine, and metalloproteases as well as inflammatory cytokines by a unique bait-and-trap method. A2M has emerged as a unique potential treatment of cartilage-based pathology and inflammatory arthritides. This article describes the unique method by which A2M not only inhibits the associated inflammatory cascade but also disrupts the catabolic process of cartilage degeneration. Autologous concentrated A2M from plasma is currently in use to successfully treat various painful arthritides. Future directions will focus on recombinant variants that enhance its anti-inflammatory and disease-modifying potential.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
authors: Jason M
authors: JM
authors: Cuéllar
authors: 450 North Roxbury Boulevard, Suite 602, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA.
authors: Vanessa Gabrovsky
authors: VG
authors: Cuéllar
authors: 210 Jupiter Lakes Boulevard, Suite 3102, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA. Electronic address: scuderimd@aol.com.
authors: Gaetano J
authors: GJ
authors: Scuderi
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D045384:Pregnancy-Associated alpha 2-Macroglobulins; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D045384:Pregnancy-Associated alpha 2-Macroglobulins; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases
keywords: Anti-inflammatory; Arthritis; Autologous; Cytokines; Discogenic back pain; Inflammation; Osteoarthritis; α(2)-macroglobulin (A2M)