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Rapid alterations in transferrin sialylation during sepsis
Michael Piagnerelli1, Karim Zouaoui Boudjeltia, Vincent Nuyens
1Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.
Shock (Augusta, Ga.)
|July 1, 2005
Summary
Sepsis rapidly decreases sialic acid (SA) on transferrin, increasing carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). This suggests neuraminidase activity elevates CDT levels during sepsis, impacting iron metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Inflammation affects iron metabolism.
- Transferrin, an N-glycosylated glycoprotein, transports iron and exhibits heterogeneous sialic acid (SA) content.
- Hepatic iron uptake is higher for desialylated transferrin isoforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if serum carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), a desialylated transferrin isoform, increases in septic patients.
- To examine changes in transferrin SA content and free SA concentrations during sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Capillary zone electrophoresis to analyze transferrin isoforms.
- Enzymatic colorimetric assay for SA concentration measurement.
- Comparison of blood samples from septic patients, non-septic critically ill patients, and healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- Septic patients showed a significantly higher proportion of CDT compared to non-septic individuals and healthy volunteers.
- Tri- and tetrasialotransferrin levels were reduced in septic patients.
- Septic patients had elevated total and free SA concentrations, with rapid increases observed in a sheep sepsis model.
Conclusions:
- Sepsis is linked to reduced SA on circulating transferrin and increased blood free SA.
- Rapid changes suggest neuraminidase-mediated transferrin degradation as a likely cause.
- Further research on neuraminidase is needed to clarify its role in sepsis.