reduces the proteins' immunogenicity. Examples for PEGylated proteins include peginterferon alfa-2a and -2b, which are used to treat hepatitis C, pegfilgrastim, which is used to treat neutropenia, and pegloticase for the treatment of gout. Nerves and spinal cords There is evidence demonstrating PEG-induced repair of specific nerve cells in animal models: It has been shown that macrogol can improve healing of spinal injuries in dogs. One of the earlier findings is that macrogol can aid in nerve repair in earthworms. The subcutaneous injection of macrogol 2000 in guinea pigs after spinal cord injury leads to rapid recovery through molecular repair of nerve membranes. The effectiveness of this treatment to prevent paraplegia in humans after an accident is not known yet. Macrogol is being used in the repair of motor neurons damaged in crush or laceration incidents in vivo and in vitro. When coupled with melatonin, 75% of damaged sciatic nerves were rendered viable. Cancer prevention High-molecular-weight macrogol (e.g., 8000 g/mol) has been shown to be a dietary preventive agent against colorectal cancer in animal models. The Chemoprevention Database shows macrogol is the most effective known agent for the suppression of chemical carcinogenesis in rats. Cancer prevention applications in humans, however, have not yet been tested in clinical trials. Other Macrogol is also used to fuse B-cells with myeloma cells in monoclonal antibody production. References External links Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate Laxatives Excipients Merck & Co. brands Bayer brands