Neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric, and quality-of-life assessments in Alzheimer's disease patients treated with plasma exchange with albumin replacement from the randomized AMBAR study.

Introduction: We report the effects of plasma exchange (PE) with albumin replacement on neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric, and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients in a phase 2b/3 trial (Alzheimer's Management by Albumin Replacement [AMBAR] study).

Methods: Three hundred forty-seven patients were randomized into placebo (sham-PE) and three PE-treatment arms with low/high doses of albumin, with/without intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Specific test measurements were performed at baseline; month 2 (weekly conventional PE); months 6, 9, and 12 (monthly low-volume PE [LVPE]); and month 14.

A randomized, controlled clinical trial of plasma exchange with albumin replacement for Alzheimer's disease: Primary results of the AMBAR Study.

Introduction: This phase 2b/3 trial examined the effects of plasma exchange (PE) in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: Three hundred forty-seven patients (496 screened) were randomized (1:1:1:1) into three PE treatment arms with different doses of albumin and intravenous immunoglobulin replacement (6-week period of weekly conventional PE followed by a 12-month period of monthly low-volume PE), and placebo (sham).

Results: PE-treated patients performed significantly better than placebo for the co-primary endpoints: change from baseline of Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL; P = .

Use of human immunoglobulins as an anti-infective treatment: the experience so far and their possible re-emerging role.

Pooled human immunoglobulins (IGs) are prepared from plasma obtained from healthy donors as a concentrated antibody-containing solution. In addition, high-titer IGs (hyperimmune) against a specific pathogen can be obtained from vaccinated or convalescing donors. Currently, IGs can be used for the treatment of a variety of infections for which no specific therapy exists or that remain difficult to treat.

Spotlight on autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome.

This month's Spotlight on...

Chronicles in drug discovery.

Chronicles in Drug Discovery features special interest reports on advances in drug discovery. This month we highlight agents that target and deplete immunosuppressive regulatory T cells, which are produced by tumor cells to hinder innate immunity against, or chemotherapies targeting, tumor-associated antigens. Antiviral treatments for respiratory syncytial virus, a severe and prevalent infection in children, are limited due to their side effect profiles and cost.

The role of statins in erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is a common disorder that involves impairment of the vascular endothelium and has been associated with cardiovascular disease. Despite the general effectiveness of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, some erectile dysfunction patients are resistant to or do not tolerate treatment with them, thus requiring further treatment alternatives. Statins have emerged as a promising therapeutic option due to their multiple modes of action.

Chronicles in drug discovery.

Chronicles in Drug Discovery features special interest reports on advances in drug discovery and development. This month we focus on the progress of the ongoing search for safe and effective chemopreventive agents. Chemoprevention is a strategy to decrease the risk of developing cancer by using agents that prevent or abrogate carcinogenic processes.

Spotlight on tNOX: a tumor-selective target for cancer therapies.

Tumor-associated NOX (tNOX) is a novel cell surface ECTO-NOX protein that represents a promising target for selective antitumor therapy. Studies have confirmed the unique presence of tNOX on the cell surface of invasive human cancers and in the sera of cancer patients. Furthermore, as there is a resolute difference between tNOX and the drug-resistant constitutive NOX isoform constitutive NOX, it represents an attractive target for drug, vaccine and diagnostic strategies for cancer.

Argatroban: a direct thrombin inhibitor with reliable and predictable anticoagulant actions.

Pharmacological strategies aimed at the prevention of thrombotic complications are in continuous development. Argatroban is a synthetic small molecule derived from l-arginine with specific antithrombotic activity. Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor that binds avidly and reversibly to the catalytic site of thrombin and that does not require other cofactors to exert its antithrombotic action.

Serotonergic mechanisms: a potential link between affective disorders and cardiovascular risk.

Cardiovascular disease and major depression are highly prevalent disorders in our society. Evidence has been found that confirms a reciprocal relationship between mechanisms of depression and those of cardiovascular pathology. This possible feedback between both pathologies is a subject of great concern.

Serotonergic mechanisms: a potential link between affective disorders and cardiovascular risk.

Cardiovascular disease and major depression are highly prevalent disorders in our society. Evidence has been found that confirms a reciprocal relationship between mechanisms of depression and those of cardiovascular pathology. This possible feedback between both pathologies is a subject of great concern.

Biocompatibility of cellulosic and synthetic membranes assessed by leukocyte activation.

Background/aims: The contact of blood with artificial surfaces may activate blood leukocytes and platelets and initiate the leukocyte inflammatory response. We have investigated the effect of a hemodialysis (HD) with a cellulosic- and a synthetic-based membrane on circulating leukocyte activation.

Methods: Samples were obtained from patients with ESRD at baseline, and at 15 and 120 min of a hemodialysis session from both the arterial and venous lines.

Possible hemostatic effect of synthetic liposomes in experimental studies under flow conditions.

Background And Objectives: The possibility of developing synthetic platelet substitutes is a subject of current interest. We explored the possible hemostatic effect of synthetic phospholipid incorporated in multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) or intermediate unilamellar vesicles (IUVs) using a well-characterized experimental system with circulating human thrombocytopenic blood (10 min, 250 s(-1)).

Design And Methods: The ability of the liposomes containing different combinations of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine (DPPS) to promote fibrin formation (%F) on the damaged subendothelium was morphometrically evaluated.