Effect of nafamostat mesilate on bradykinin generation during low-density lipoprotein apheresis using a dextran sulfate cellulose column.

The dextran sulfate (DS) cellulose column usually used for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis, is an activator of the contact phase of intrinsic coagulation pathway. Hageman factor (factor XII), high-molecular-weight kininogen (HMWK) and prekallikrein (PK) form a complex on the surface of this activator, and bradykinin is released from HMWK by the action of kallikrein converted from PK. Heparin, a frequently used anticoagulant, has no effect on this process, whereas a protease inhibitor, nafamostat mesilate (FUT-175) is thought to inhibit the process. Five patients with severe hypercholesterolemia were treated with LDL apheresis using heparin or FUT-175, each on a different day. During treatment with heparin, factor XII, HMWK, and PK were markedly decreased by passing through the DS column. A distinct generation of bradykinin was observed by passing through the DS column, which led to an increase of blood bradykinin levels from 12.5 +/- 5.3(Mean +/- SEM) pg/ml to 127.3 +/- 67.1 pg/ml after 1000 ml plasma treatment. FUT-175 almost completely suppressed this bradykinin generation. Because bradykinin generated during LDL apheresis seems to have some vasodilative effect, FUT-175 might be preferred in cases with unstable hemodynamics, although this presumption remains to be demonstrated.