Uraemic itching: do polymethylmethacrylate dialysis membranes play a role?
These findings support the hypothesis that a PMMA dialyser may improve renal itching in ESRD patients. This effect is not mediated by increased dialysis efficiency or an improvement in other biochemical parameters, but we can speculate that ionic substances may be directly or indirectly adsorbed into the polymer composition of BG-U series (PMMA membrane dialyser). We are currently undergoing further studies using a proteomic approach.
We conclude that systemic delivery of EPCs protects the brain against ischemic injury, promotes neurovascular repair, and improves long-term neurobehavioral outcomes. Our data suggest that SDF-1-mediated signaling plays a critical role in EPC-mediated neuroprotection.