Abstract: Angiogenesis inhibitors are administered to patients in an amount effective to regulate normal, non-transformed vascularized tissue size and/or growth by regulating its vascular compartment. Examples of tissues that can be controlled include adipose tissue, intestinal polyps, muscle (including cardiac) tissue, and endometrial tissue. The response of these tissues to the angiogenesis inhibitors is dose-dependent, reversible, and common to a variety of different angiogenesis inhibitors (examples use TNP-470, angiostatin, and endostatin), based on studies in animal models of obesity, intestinal polyps, cardiac hypertrophy, and endometriosis. Initial studies conducted in an adipose tissue model (genetically obese mice and normal control mice) showed that the growth and mass of adipose tissue is under the control of microvascular endothelium. Expansion of adipose tissue was associated with endothelial cell proliferation. Inhibition of angiogenesis led to reduction in adipose tissue mass.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing substances from blood is disclosed. The apparatus includes concentric cylinders defining an annulus therebetween with the inner cylinder adapted for rotation with respect to the outer cylinder. At least one of the cylinders includes a porous membrane covered portion forming a compartment containing an immobilized active species. The active species is adapted to break down or remove the substance. Plasma in blood flowing in the annulus passes through the porous membrane and interacts with the active species either by reaction or binding. Red and white blood cells do not pass through the membrane. In this way, a substance is removed from plasma without exposing blood cells to the active species.