Systemic upregulation of leukocyte integrins in response to lower body ischemia-reperfusion during abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Ischemia and reperfusion in myocardial infarction and stroke are associated with upregulation of leukocyte adhesion molecules, which contributes to tissue injury by facilitating leukocyte adhesion and infiltration in the affected tissues. Surgical repair of the abdominal aortic aneurysm involves clamping and declamping of the aorta, which necessarily results in ischemia and reperfusion of the lower half of the body. Given the large volume of the affected tissues and unimpeded venous return during reperfusion, we hypothesized that the procedure may result in upregulation of leukocyte integrins in the systemic circulation.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of darbepoetin alfa and epoetin in patients undergoing dialysis.

Objective: The aim of this multicenter, randomized, open-label study was to compare the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of darbepoetin alfa, a new erythropoiesis-stimulating protein, and recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin) after repeated intravenous dosing in patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis.

Methods: Forty-seven patients were randomized to receive darbepoetin alfa administered once weekly (n = 17) or 3 times weekly (n = 15) or epoetin administered 3 times weekly (n = 15) for up to 52 weeks. Pharmacokinetic profiles were measured during weeks 1 and 12 and at hemoglobin steady state (defined as a hemoglobin concentration within the target range for 4 consecutive weeks after week 12 with no change in study drug dose) or between weeks 36 and 40, whichever occurred first.