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Plasma gelsolin is reduced in trauma patients
1Department of General Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 75235-9031, USA.
Shock (Augusta, Ga.)
|August 14, 1999
Summary
Plasma gelsolin levels significantly decrease after traumatic injury, potentially impacting the Extracellular Actin Scavenger System (EASS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Further research is needed to clarify its role.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Trauma Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Tissue injury releases intracellular actin, cleared by plasma proteins gelsolin and Gc-globulin, forming the Extracellular Actin Scavenger System (EASS).
- Elevated circulating actin can mimic multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
- Previous studies showed decreased Gc-globulin post-trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate early-phase plasma gelsolin levels in trauma patients.
- To determine if gelsolin levels are altered immediately following severe trauma.
Main Methods:
- Assayed plasma gelsolin concentrations using immunonephelometry.
- Studied 23 consecutive trauma patients, collecting samples shortly after injury (median 52 min).
- Compared patient gelsolin levels to normal controls.
Main Results:
- Trauma patients exhibited significantly reduced plasma gelsolin levels upon admission (median 51 mg/L) compared to controls (median 207 mg/L).
- The reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.0001).
- No correlation was found between gelsolin levels, Injury Severity Score (ISS), or survival.
Conclusions:
- Plasma gelsolin concentration is significantly diminished in the early phase after traumatic injury.
- The role of gelsolin and the EASS in MODS development requires further investigation.
- Nephelometric assays provide rapid and accurate determination of plasma gelsolin levels.