Scientific studies on Inuspheresis®
Since its introduction in 1981, apheresis, also known as "blood washing," has been continuously developed. Its effectiveness in various applications has been studied in over 34,000 studies (PubMed, March 2026). Below, you will find links to current topics and scientific studies.
Plasma Separation Efficiency in Double Filtration Plasmapheresis: A Retrospective Study of Patients With Hyperlipidemia
Plasma Separation Efficiency in Double Filtration Plasmapheresis: A Retrospective Study of Patients With Hyperlipidemia
Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is a membrane-based apheresis technique used to remove high-molecular-weight substances. This study evaluates plasma separation efficiency (PSE) in DFPP sessions for hyperlipidemia patients, suggesting that monitoring PSE, especially with hematocrit adjustment, can optimize individualized DFPP protocols.
A retrospective study of DFPP procedures performed in patients with hyperlipidemia at a single center between April and July 2025 was conducted. Patient demographics, laboratory values, and procedural parameters were collected. PSE was calculated with and without hematocrit (HCT) adjustment (PSE1 and PSE2). Associations with procedural variables were assessed using paired tests and multivariate linear regression.
Carlos Agustin Villegas-Valverde, Shinnette Lumame, Jay Mary Rose-Roque, Charisma Castelo, Marlene Cato, Maysoon Al-Karam, Ashwag Shamkhi Al Dhuhaibat, Stefano Benedetti, Fatema Mohammed Al-Kaabi, Rene Antonio Rivero-Jimenez, Yendry Ventura-Carmenate, Antonio Alfonso Bencomo-Hernandez, Stefan R Bornstein, Joan Cid
Double filtration plasmapheresis, Hematocrit, Hyperlipidemia, Membranes, Plasma separation efficiency
Proteomic Profiling of Age-Related Proteins Following Extracorporeal Apheresis
Proteomic Profiling of Age-Related Proteins Following Extracorporeal Apheresis
Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) reduces cardiovascular risk not only by lowering lipoproteins but also through pleiotropic effects. This study shows that therapeutic apheresis significantly reduces key age-related plasma proteins involved in aging and atherosclerosis, offering a promising approach for managing cardiovascular risk in an aging population.
A proteomic analysis was performed on 12 patients treated with temperature-optimized double-filtration plasmapheresis (Inuspheresis®) using two different pore size filters. Pre- and post-apheresis plasma samples were analyzed using nanoflow LC-MS/MS and Data Independent Acquisition (DIA) to quantify changes in age-related proteins.
Romy Walther, Bhawana Singh, Stefan R. Bornstein, Johannes R. Schaefer, Klaus-Martin Schulte, Peter Krebs, Günter Vollmer, R. Straube
Extracorporal apheresis, Proteomic analysis, Aging
Modulating Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Indices via Double Filtration Plasmapheresis: Implications for Aging and Low-Grade Inflammation
Modulating Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Indices via Double Filtration Plasmapheresis: Implications for Aging and Low-Grade Inflammation
Systemic immune-inflammatory indices derived from routine complete blood counts are useful markers of systemic inflammation. This study found that DFPP modulated short-term systemic immune-inflammatory indices, indicating potential utility for these metrics as surrogate markers of acute systemic inflammation and immunomodulation, especially in aging-related immune dysfunction.
A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing two DFPP sessions for hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipoproteinemia(a) at a single center was conducted between April and July 2025. Complete blood count-derived immune-inflammatory indices and lipid profiles were measured before and after the first and second sessions. Intra-individual comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Carlos Agustin Villegas-Valverde, Yendry Ventura-Carmenate, Maysoon Al-Karam, Ashwag Shamkhi Al Dhuhaibat, Shinnette Lumame, Jay Mary Rose-Roque, Charisma Castelo, Stefano Benedetti, Fatema Mohammed Al-Kaabi, Rene Antonio Rivero-Jimenez, Antonio Alfonso Bencomo-Hernandez, Stefan R Bornstein
Aging, Biomarkers, Hypercholesterolemia, Inflammation, Plasmapheresis, Retrospective Studies
Double Filtration Plasmapheresis for Environmental Toxin Removal: A Case Series of Patients With Hyperlipoproteinemia(a)
Double Filtration Plasmapheresis for Environmental Toxin Removal: A Case Series of Patients With Hyperlipoproteinemia(a)
Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is a promising method for removing environmental toxins. This study investigates the removal effectiveness of various pollutants in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia(a), demonstrating that DFPP is effective in removing heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and organic pollutants from the human body based on their pharmacokinetic properties.
This study retrospectively analyzed DFPP procedures performed using the Inuspheresis® System with two filters of differing pore sizes. The clearance of heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and organic pollutants was assessed by calculating the "redistribution ratio" (RR) and the percentage of captured analyte (CA).
Carlos Agustin Villegas-Valverde, Maysoon Al-Karam, Shinnette Lumame, Jay Mary Rose-Roque, Ehab Bawadi, Dina El-Mouzain, Stefano Benedetti, Yendry Ventura-Carmenate, Fatema Mohammed Al-Kaabi, Antonio Alfonso Bencomo-Hernandez, Alexander Sach, David Andel, Yannick P Kok, Rupert Handgretinger, Stefan R Bornstein
Double filtration plasmapheresis, Environmental pollutants, Hyperlipoproteinemia(a), Plasmapheresis, Protein binding, Toxins
Single-Center Study of Therapeutic Apheresis in 24 Male Patients from the MENA Region: Reduction of Lipids, Inflammatory Markers, Autoantibodies, and Implications for Fatigue, Genetics, and Aging
Single-Center Study of Therapeutic Apheresis in 24 Male Patients from the MENA Region: Reduction of Lipids, Inflammatory Markers, Autoantibodies, and Implications for Fatigue, Genetics, and Aging
Metabolic disorders and extreme temperatures in the MENA region exacerbate cardiovascular issues. This study treated 24 male patients suffering from chronic fatigue or metabolic diseases using DFPP, showing significant reductions in lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and autoantibodies, which could significantly improve health outcomes in this population.
24 male patients from the MENA region with chronic fatigue and/or metabolic diseases were treated using double filtration plasmapheresis. Plasma analyses were performed before and after apheresis to assess lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and autoantibodies. Genetic analyses for monogenic lipid disorders were also conducted on a subgroup.
Stefan R Bornstein, Carlos Agustin Villegas-Valverde, Yendry Ventura-Carmenate, Maysoon Al-Karam, Ashwag Shamkhi Al Dhuhaibat, Shinnette Lumame, Jay Mary Rose-Roque, Charisma Castelo, Stefano Benedetti, Fatema Mohammed Al-Kaabi, Rene Antonio Rivero-Jimenez, Antonio Alfonso Bencomo-Hernandez, Alexander Sach, David Andel, Yannick P Kok, Rupert Handgretinger
Aging, Autoantibodies, Blood Component Removal, COVID-19, Fatigue, Lipids, Middle East, SARS-CoV-2
Therapeutic apheresis: A promising method to remove microplastics?
Therapeutic apheresis: A promising method to remove microplastics?
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are an emerging global health concern. This study provides the first evidence that extracorporeal therapeutic apheresis (Inuspheresis®) has the potential to remove MNP-like particles from the human blood circulation, as detected in the eluates of patients with ME/CFS.
21 patients with postinfectious ME/CFS received at least two cycles of INUSpheresis. The concentrated eluate removed during apheresis was analyzed for MNP-like particles using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy to detect resemblance to synthetic polymers like polyamide 6 and polyurethane.
Stefan R Bornstein, Timo Gruber, Danai Katsere, Ayoub El Attaoui, Waldemar Kanczkowski, Christian Steenblock
Microplastics, Nanoplastics, Extracorporeal Apheresis, Therapeutic Apheresis, Environmental Health
Selective Removal of Plasma Proteins by Double-Filtration Plasmapheresis in Canine Blood: An Ex Vivo Study and Retrospective Report of In Vivo Clinical Treatments in Three Dogs
Selective Removal of Plasma Proteins by Double-Filtration Plasmapheresis in Canine Blood: An Ex Vivo Study and Retrospective Report of In Vivo Clinical Treatments in Three Dogs
Double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is a semi-selective plasma-exchange modality. This study demonstrates ex vivo and in vivo that Inuspheresis® allows for selective removal of high-molecular-weight proteins in canine blood while significantly sparing albumin at 1.5 plasma volumes, reducing the need for substitution fluids.
An ex vivo study using canine blood assessed DFPP treatment with Inuspheresis® processing 1.5, 2, and 3 plasma volumes (PVs). Net protein loss was measured. Additionally, a retrospective report of five DFPP treatments in three dogs with immune-mediated diseases was presented to evaluate in vivo protein reduction patterns.
Roberta Troia, Claudia Iannucci, Lisa Niemann, Alessio Vigani
Inuspheresis®, Extracorporeal apheresis, Immunoglobulin, Double filtration plasmapheresis, Dog
A multimodal approach for treating post-acute infectious syndrome
A multimodal approach for treating post-acute infectious syndrome
Long-term complications, such as extensive fatigue and cognitive issues, are known from various infections, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, or Borrelia burgdorferi. The pathology is mostly unknown and differs between patients. Unfortunately, there is currently no common and effective treatment. In this perspective, we imply that post-acute infectious syndromes are due to a variety of factors, including among others diminished tissue perfusion, tissue infiltration by viruses, inflammation, and oxidative stress, and that not one specific biomarker can be used to measure these syndromes. Thus, we suggest that a score based on a number of criteria/factors should be used to assess post-acute infectious syndromes.
The study employs a multimodal approach to evaluate and treat post-acute infectious syndromes, including Long-COVID. It combined pharmacological interventions, such as metformin and low-dose naltrexone, with physical therapies like extracorporeal apheresis and transcutaneous neurotherapy.
Charlotte Steenblock, Nicole Toepfner, Yannick P. Kok, Philip Mavberg, Horst Bruckmoser, Alfons Breu, Johannes Korth, Harald Heidecke, Milo A. Puhan, and Stefan R. Bornstein
Post-acute infectious syndrome, Long-COVID, Multimodal treatment approach, Pharmacotherapy, Extracorporeal apheresis, Biomarker analysis, Inflammation markers
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) as a Potential Target for Anti-Aging: Role of Therapeutic Apheresis
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) as a Potential Target for Anti-Aging: Role of Therapeutic Apheresis
The study examines the role of NETs in age-related inflammation and explores therapeutic apheresis as a potential intervention. The findings suggest that NETs contribute significantly to chronic inflammation and age-related diseases, and therapeutic apheresis may effectively reduce NET levels and associated inflammatory markers. These results support further investigation into apheresis as a targeted strategy for mitigating aging-related health issues.
The study explores the role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in aging and discusses therapeutic apheresis as a potential anti-aging strategy. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature to assess the involvement of NETs in age-related inflammatory processes and evaluated the potential of therapeutic apheresis in modulating NETs to mitigate aging effects.
Natalia Jarzebska, Roman N. Rodionov, Karin Voit-Bak, Richard Straube, Anna Mücke, Sergey Tselmin, Ronny Rettig, Ulrich Julius, Richard Siow, Jürgen Gräßler, Jens Passauer, Yannick Kok, Philip Mavberg, Norbert Weiss, Stefan R. Bornstein, Andrew Aswani
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), Aging, Anti-aging therapy, Therapeutic apheresis, Chronic inflammation, Age-related diseases, Inflammatory markers
Clinical improvement of Long-COVID is associated with reduction in autoantibodies, lipids, and inflammation following therapeutic apheresis
Clinical improvement of Long-COVID is associated with reduction in autoantibodies, lipids, and inflammation following therapeutic apheresis
The study explores how therapeutic apheresis may help alleviate persistent Long-COVID symptoms. Researchers found that by filtering out specific blood components, including autoantibodies and inflammatory markers, patients experienced improvements in energy levels, cognitive function, and overall well-being. This promising approach highlights a potential new avenue for managing Long-COVID and addressing lingering inflammation and immune dysregulation.
The study used therapeutic apheresis to filter out autoantibodies, lipids, and inflammatory markers from the blood of Long-COVID patients, assessing changes in clinical symptoms and biological markers before and after treatment.
Martin Achleitner, Charlotte Steenblock, Juliane Dänhardt, Natalia Jarzebska, Romina Kardashi, Waldemar Kanczkowski, Richard Straube, Roman N. Rodionov, Nitzan Bornstein, Sergey Tselmin, Frank Kaiser, Ronald Bucher, Mahmoud Barbir, Ma-Li Wong, Karin Voit-Bak, Julio Licinio & Stefan R. Bornstein
Long-COVID, Therapeutic Apheresis, Autoantibodies, Lipids, Inflammation, Biomarkers, INUSpheresis, Cytokines, Fibrinogen
Particles in the Eluate from Double Filtration Plasmapheresis – A Case Study Using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDX)
Particles in the Eluate from Double Filtration Plasmapheresis – A Case Study Using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDX)
In this study, researchers employed advanced microscopy techniques to analyze the eluate from double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP). Their findings revealed the presence of nano- and microparticles, providing insights into the composition of substances removed during DFPP treatments
The study used field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to analyze and identify nano- and microparticles in the eluate from double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP).
Felix Scholkmann, Antonietta M. Gatti
Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP) Eluate Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) Nano- and Microparticles
Changes in Water Properties in Human Tissue after Double Filtration Plasmapheresis - A Case Study
Changes in Water Properties in Human Tissue after Double Filtration Plasmapheresis - A Case Study
The study investigated changes in water properties in human tissue after double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) using near-infrared spectroscopy. Results showed an increase in free water molecules and small water clusters, along with a decrease in hydration shells and hydroxylated water. These findings suggest that DFPP may improve water structure in tissues, potentially contributing to its physiological effects.
The study utilized a case study design to investigate changes in water properties in human tissue following double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) treatment. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was employed to measure water spectral changes in hand tissue and eluates (filtered substances) before and after DFPP sessions. The data were analyzed using an aquaphotomics approach, focusing on specific water spectral regions (WAMACS) to assess shifts in water molecule clusters, hydration shells, and free water, providing insights into the physiological effects of the treatment.
Felix Scholkmann, Roumiana Tsenkova
Double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), INUSpheresis, Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR), Aquaphotomics, Water properties, Human tissue, Hydration shells, Water clusters
Precision Medicine Approach for Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Therapeutic Apheresis
Precision Medicine Approach for Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Therapeutic Apheresis
The study investigates how personalized apheresis treatments can reduce cardiovascular risks in patients with severe lipid disorders. Using advanced proteomic analysis, researchers examined the effectiveness of different apheresis filters in removing harmful proteins linked to heart disease. Findings suggest that tailoring apheresis protocols to individual patient needs could offer a targeted strategy to better manage cardiometabolic risk factors and improve heart health outcomes.
The study used the INUSpheresis system with different filters to analyze lipid and protein reduction in patients, using proteomic analysis to assess filter effectiveness.
X. Yin, K. Takov, R. Straube, K. Voit-Bak, J. Graessler, U. Julius, S. Tselmin, Roman N. Rodionov, M. Barbir, M. Walls, K. Theofilatos, M. Mayr, S.R. Bornstein
extracorporal apheresis proteomics analysis cardiovascular risk factors precision medicine
Chronic post-COVID-19 syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome: Is there a role for extracorporeal apheresis?
Chronic post-COVID-19 syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome: Is there a role for extracorporeal apheresis?
This study explores the potential of extracorporeal apheresis as a treatment for chronic post-COVID-19 syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. The authors investigate the similarities between these conditions, particularly the role of autoantibodies against neurotransmitter receptors, and discuss how apheresis might alleviate debilitating symptoms by reducing these autoantibodies. They found that apheresis could potentially improve symptoms by targeting inflammatory markers and immune dysregulation, offering a promising avenue for patients suffering from these persistent conditions.
The study reviewed literature to assess extracorporeal apheresis as a treatment for chronic post-COVID-19 and chronic fatigue syndrome by examining immune and inflammatory effects.
Stefan R Bornstein, Karin Voit-Bak, Timo Donate, Roman N Rodionov, Raul R Gainetdinov , Sergey Tselmin, Waldemar Kanczkowski, Gregor M Müller, Martin Achleitner, Jun Wang, Julio Licinio, Michael Bauer, Allan H Young, Sandrine Thuret , Nicole Bechmann, Richard Straube
Chronic post-COVID-19 syndrome Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) Extracorporeal apheresis Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) Immune dysregulation Autoimmunity Inflammatory markers
Is There a Role for Environmental and Metabolic Factors Predisposing to Severe COVID-19?
Is There a Role for Environmental and Metabolic Factors Predisposing to Severe COVID-19?
This study investigates how environmental and metabolic factors, such as pollution, climate, obesity, and diabetes, may predispose individuals to severe COVID-19 outcomes. By reviewing existing research, the authors highlight potential links between these risk factors and COVID-19 severity, offering insights into preventive strategies and therapeutic approaches to mitigate these effects.
The authors conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature, focusing on how environmental and metabolic factors may contribute to severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Stefan R Bornstein, Karin Voit-Bak, Dieter Schmidt, Henning Morawietz, Alexander Benjamin Bornstein, Waldimir Balanzew, Ulrich Julius, Roman N Rodionov, Anne Maria Biener, Jun Wang, Klaus-Martin Schulte, Peter Krebs, Günter Vollmer, R Straube
COVID-19 Environmental Pollution Metabolic Factors Obesity Diabetes Cardiovascular Disease Pollution Socioeconomic Conditions
Lipid Profiles in Lyme Borreliosis: A Potential Role for Apheresis?
Lipid Profiles in Lyme Borreliosis: A Potential Role for Apheresis?
The study titled explores how lipid levels are affected in patients with Lyme borreliosis and examines whether apheresis could offer therapeutic benefits. Researchers analyzed lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in patients undergoing extracorporeal double filtration apheresis. Findings suggest that apheresis may reduce harmful lipids and improve symptoms, pointing to a potential new approach in managing chronic Lyme disease symptoms and reducing cardiovascular risk associated with this condition.
The study analyzed lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in Lyme disease patients before and after undergoing double filtration apheresis to evaluate its effects on lipid reduction and symptom improvement.
Richard Straube, Karin Voit-Bak, A Gor, Til Steinmeier, George P Chrousos, Bernhard Otto Boehm, Andreas L Birkenfeld, Mahmoud Barbir , Wladimir Balanzew, Stefan R Bornstein
Lyme Borreliosis Lipid Profiles Apheresis Hyperlipidemia Inflammation
Extracorporeal apheresis therapy for Alzheimer disease – targeting lipids, stress, and inflammation
Extracorporeal apheresis therapy for Alzheimer disease – targeting lipids, stress, and inflammation
This study explores an innovative approach to Alzheimer's treatment by targeting "metabolic inflammation" through extracorporeal apheresis, a blood-cleansing technique that removes harmful lipids, stress hormones, and inflammatory molecules. Early findings suggest that reducing these factors may help slow Alzheimer’s progression, offering a promising new avenue for treatment.
The study examines the use of extracorporeal apheresis to reduce proinflammatory lipids, cortisol, and other inflammatory molecules in Alzheimer's patients.
Stefan R Bornstein, Karin Voit-Bak, Peter Rosenthal, Sergey Tselmin, Ulrich Julius, Ulrike Schatz, Bernhard O Boehm, Sandrine Thuret, Gerd Kempermann, Heinz Reichmann, George P Chrousos, Julio Licinio, Ma-Li Wong, Andrew V Schally, Richard Straube
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Extracorporeal Apheresis Metabolic Inflammation Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Lipoprotein(a)