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Adsorption of Bence-Jones protein to polymethylmethacrylate membrane in primary amyloidosis

Hiroyuki Hata1, Kazuhiko Nishi, Wataru Oshihara

  • 1Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan. hata@kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Amyloid : the International Journal of Experimental and Clinical Investigation : the Official Journal of the International Society of Amyloidosis
|June 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) membrane adsorption effectively reduced Bence-Jones Protein (BJP) in a primary amyloidosis patient. This novel approach improved sensory disturbances and nerve function, offering a potential alternative therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Hematology
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Primary amyloidosis is an incurable plasma cell disorder characterized by amyloid deposition.
  • Amyloidogenic immunoglobulin light chains (Bence-Jones Proteins; BJP) are the causative agents.
  • High-dose melphalan chemotherapy can be effective but is associated with significant toxicity.

Observation:

  • A patient with primary amyloidosis and nephritic syndrome opted against chemotherapy.
  • The patient underwent adsorption of BJP using a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) membrane.
  • Post-adsorption, the patient reported improved finger sensory disturbance.

Findings:

  • PMMA membrane adsorption significantly reduced serum levels of both multimer and monomer BJP.
  • Nerve conduction studies confirmed a marked improvement in sensory nerve action potential.
  • This indicates successful removal of the amyloidogenic protein load.

Implications:

  • PMMA membrane adsorption presents a potential non-chemotherapeutic treatment strategy for primary amyloidosis.
  • This method may offer an alternative for patients ineligible or unwilling to undergo high-dose melphalan.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the broader efficacy and safety of BJP adsorption therapy.

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