You take a shower. As you come out, you notice beads of water all over your body.
Nothing’s wrong. Your body was designed that way. Your skin contains materials that repel water, to keep you protected. Those hydrophobic compounds (phospholipids) that surround your cells are membranes of polyvalent phosphatidyl choline (PC).
Now, Dr. Donald Brooks (Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia- Pathology and Chemistry departments) led a research group from all three affiliations (comprised of Drs. Yu, Liu, Janzen, Chafeez, Horte, Chen, Kaintahn, and Kizhakkedathu) that altered the configuration of these PC membranes. With reversed polarization, they (choline phosphate [CP]) now are hydrophilic- they attract water. The researchers reported their results in Nature Materials.
The reverse polarization membranes were attached to and surrounded various polymers (hyper-branched polyglycerols). And, because their polarity has been reversed, they easily attach to liposomes and cell membranes. The strength of these bonds are a function of the density of CP groups per molecule.
These CP macromolecules then can serve two purposes. The first concept is that they should be able to stop bleeding pretty rapidly, since they can bind exposed blood cells together. I envision this type of product of great use to those undergoing blood-thinning therapy (coumadine, dabigatran) [more information on Coumadin and its alternatives here] or those suffering from hemophilia.
The second use for these compounds could be for drug delivery of larger polymers. By attaching the CP membranes to the drugs, tissues could absorb the CP bound materials, allowing for larger compounds to be delivered to the body tissues.
Instant healing for soldiers? SciFi time?
Stuart Nager recently posted..Reflections of Swans (#AtoZChallenge)
Well, Stuart…
I’m sure my grandparents considered it science fiction to be flying from Uzbekhistan to New York, my parents and landing on the moon, and my generation (yours?) heart transplants not too long ago…
That’s the beauty of GOOD science fiction…
Roy
That could be ground breaking in the world of cancer and alzheimer’s disease couldn’t it? I mean if I understand it (which may or may not be the case), it binds to protein, and couldn’t that help target the extra hard layer of protein in a cancer cell, and the protein blocks that are amloydosis (sp?). Great article, Roy as always!
That’s the point. Now, we just have to hope they can develop the products, Lisa…
I couldn’t have said it better. In fact I couldn’t have said it at all 🙂
Marie recently posted..Begging the Question
I’m still rolling on the floor laughing, Marie!!!!
I don’t always understand everything about what you write. But it is always thought provoking. It amazes me the things that researchers are doing and how they can help people.
shawn recently posted..Recipe Day: Mushroom & Chicken Stroganoff
My only question is: wth took them so long? Great post, Roy. Thanks for sharing!
I’ll leave that one to the more scientific brains. Mine only goes so far! Granted, farther than the average American but not THIS far! 😀
Nicole Bandes recently posted..5 Excuses to Indulge in YOU Time
Hello,
Your article is very technical and perhaps a bit beyond my understanding, but I have a question related to an earlier comment relevant to amyloid proteins. Could this kind of discovery in fact help reduce or eliminate disorders such as Primary Amyloidosis? I am very interested (on a very personal level).
Thank you for the article!
Be well,
Ron
Sorry for making this article too technical, Ron.
The amyloid protein issue is being addressed by different research. PZG from Takeda seems to preclude the agglomeration of amyloaid proteins. GM-CSF has also been found of use. You can find more by searching for amyloid in the index on the right margin of my posts.
Thank you for replying Dr. Ackerman!
I will look into the links and information you provided.
I appreciate the information you offer everyday and want to learn from it. Please don’t dumb it down for the likes of me, but challenge us all to explore, question and learn more each day.
Thank you and be well,
Ron
Your mind fascinates me, Roy. Another interesting bit of science. My Dad was on Coumadin for years. My Mom became more expert at my Dad’s dosage than his doctor. Pardon my ignorance, but how do you see it working there? Instead of Coumadin?
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Roy. 🙂
Cathy Miller recently posted..How to Create Executive Summaries That Invite Success
There already is a replacement or two for Coumadin, Cathy. Yes, it is more expensive, but there is a definitive test for the drugs, so the hit or miss approach no longer applies. Assuming there is one hospitalization or even adverse event a year (which is a reasonable assumption), the replacement choice is much cheaper.
I believe this approach is looking more for immediate coagulation, rather than its prevention. Which would mean that copious quantities of replacement blood may not be needed after traumatic injury…
Roy
That is really a promising development. I believe that it can be of good use for EMTs that respond to road accidents. Another scenario is for medics treating battlefield wounds.
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Pamela…
That would be among the best of all possible uses!
Thanks for your comment and insight.