Oxygen infusions (hemoglobin‐vesicles and albumin‐hemes) based on nano‐molecular sciences

Abstract

AbstractSince the discovery of a red‐colored saline solution of a heme derivative that reversibly binds and releases oxygen (1983), significant efforts have been made to realize an oxygen infusion as a red cell substitute based on the sciences of both molecular assembling phenomena and macromolecular metal complexes. The authors have specified that hemoglobin (Hb)‐vesicles (HbV) and recombinant human serum albumin‐hemes (rHSA‐heme) would be the best systems that meet the clinical requirements. (A) Hb is rigorously purified from outdated, donated red cells via pasteurization and ultrafiltration, to completely remove blood type antigen and pathogen. The HbV encapsulates thus purified concentrated Hb solution with a phospholipid bimolecular membrane (diameter, 250 nmϕ), and its solution properties can be adjusted comparable with blood. Surface modification of HbV with a water‐soluble polymer ensures stable dispersion state and storage over a year at 20°C. In vivo tests have clarified the efficacy for extreme hemodilution and resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock, and safety in terms of biodistribution, metabolism in reticuloendothelial system (RES), clinical chemistry, blood coagulation, etc. The HbV does not induce vasoconstriction thus maintains blood flow and tissue oxygenation. (B) rHSA is now manufactured in Japan as a plasma‐expander. The rHSA can incorporate eight heme derivatives (axial base substituted hemes) as oxygen binding sites, and the resulting rHSA‐heme is a totally synthetic O2‐carrier. Hb binds endothelium‐derived relaxation factor, NO, and induces vasoconstriction. The rHSA‐heme binds NO as Hb does, however, it does not induce vasoconstriction due to its low pI (4.8) and the resulting low permeability across the vascular wall (1/100 of Hb). A 5%‐albumin solution possesses a physiologic oncotic pressure. Therefore, to increase the O2‐transporting capacity, albumin dimer is effective. Albumin dimer can incorporate totally 16 hemes with a regulated oncotic pressure. The rHSA‐heme is effective not only as a red cell substitute but also for oxygen therapeutics (e.g. oxygenation for tumor). Significant efforts have been made to produce HbV and rHSA‐heme with a facility of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard, and to start preclinical and finally clinical trials. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.