Method for isolating dithiochrome, an insulin-binding molecule with glucose metabolism-related pharmaceutical utility

摘要

A process for purifying dithiochrome from a natural source is disclosed. The process comprises: (i) contacting a eukaryotic cell mass with a mixture of water and an alcohol; (ii) separating the alcohol phase from the water phase and obtaining a water phase extract; (iii) subjecting the water phase extract to a sulfhydryl exchange chromatography matrix; (iv) washing said chromatography matrix; and (v) treating said chromatrography matrix with an active thiol to obtain dithiochromate; a material capable of binding with insulin. Dithiochromate may be used to treat patients suffering from elevated blood glucose or suboptimal glucose kinetics. An adduct of this compound with insulin may be used to treat patients for type I diabetes.