Removing endocannabinoids and reducing oxidative stress with polymyxin-B-immobilized fibers in patients with septic shock

Arachidonylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonyl-glycerol (2-AG) are endocannabinoids involved in septic shock, and 8-epi prostaglandin F2α (F2-isoprostane) is a biomarker of oxidative stress. Because the antibiotic polymyxin-B binds to endotoxins and endocannabinoids, direct hemoperfusion therapy with polymyxin-B-immobilized fibers (PMX-DHP) decreases serum levels of endocannabinoids. To investigate the features of sepsis and to determine the proper usage of PMX-DHP, we compared perioperative changes in levels of endocannabinoids and F2-isoprostane in patients with septic shock