beta-endorphin and Hematologic-Diseases

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of plasmapheresis on serum beta-endorphin (BE) levels.. The serum BE levels of 12 patients with various autoimmune or hematological disorders were monitored during plasmapheresis therapy.. BE levels increased after the initial session in 8 of 12 patients; in the remaining 4 patients no change (n = 2) or a decline (n = 2) in BE levels was found. However, no further changes were observed during subsequent therapy. During the last session, an elevation in the BE level was detected in 5 patients, with no change in 1 and a decrease in BE level in another 5 patients.. Our findings suggest that although plasmapheresis results in an elevation in serum BE levels initially, this change does not persist during subsequent sessions.

Topics: Adult; Aged; beta-Endorphin; Female; Hematologic Diseases; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Middle Aged; Plasmapheresis