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Published on: February 20, 2021
Thioredoxin in human and experimental sepsis.
Stefan Hofer1, Claudia Rosenhagen, Hajime Nakamura
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Critical Care Medicine
|June 3, 2009
Summary
Thioredoxin (TRX) levels are higher in sepsis patients, especially nonsurvivors. Neutralizing TRX worsened sepsis outcomes in mice, while recombinant TRX improved survival, indicating its critical role and therapeutic potential in septic shock.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Thioredoxin (TRX) possesses antioxidant properties and inhibits neutrophil migration, suggesting a beneficial role in inflammatory conditions.
- Its role in sepsis, a severe inflammatory response, remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma thioredoxin levels in septic patients versus healthy individuals.
- To investigate the role of thioredoxin in a polymicrobial sepsis mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Combined observational study in an ICU and a randomized controlled mouse model.
- Measured plasma thioredoxin levels in septic patients and survivors vs. nonsurvivors.
- Evaluated effects of TRX neutralization and recombinant TRX treatment in a mouse sepsis model (cecal ligation and puncture).
Main Results:
- Septic patients exhibited significantly higher plasma thioredoxin levels than healthy controls.
- Nonsurvivors of sepsis had higher thioredoxin levels than survivors.
- In mice, TRX neutralization reduced survival, while recombinant TRX administration enhanced survival after sepsis induction.
Conclusions:
- Thioredoxin plays a critical role in the inflammatory response during sepsis.
- Thioredoxin emerges as a potential therapeutic target for managing septic shock.
