Comparative evaluation of cytokine adsorption performance of a novel polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-based hemoadsorption cartridge and CytoSorb® in a porcine model of hypercytokinemia

Abstract Background Sepsis is defined as a condition in which the host’s response to infection becomes uncontrollable, leading to life-threatening organ damage. It is associated with the cytokine storm phenomenon, caused by excessive cytokine production. Blood purification therapy, which aims to remove cytokines, has attracted attention as a treatment for this problem. We evaluated a new hemoadsorption cartridge, “PF-Large,” fabricated from polymethylmethacrylate fibers, which are known for their cytokine adsorption properties. Methods Using a porcine model of hypercytokinemia induced by lipopolysaccharide infusion, we compared the cytokine adsorption performance of PF-Large with that of the commercially available CytoSorb ® . Results PF-Large had a similar cytokine adsorption capacity to CytoSorb ® , with particularly high adsorption rates for interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-10, suppressing the peak of cytokine concentrations in vivo. Furthermore, PF-Large maintained higher total protein and albumin concentrations in the blood versus CytoSorb ® . PF-Large was also associated with higher blood pH, better acid–base balance, and lower lactate levels during the latter phase of the experiment, suggesting the potential to suppress shock symptoms as well. Conclusion PF-Large achieved cytokine adsorption comparable to the widely used CytoSorb ® and mitigated hypercytokinemia-associated organ dysfunction in a porcine model, supporting its potential clinical applicability as a cytokine adsorption therapy.