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Oxygen free radicals: effect on red cell deformability in sepsis
R J Powell1, G W Machiedo, B F Rush
1Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103.
Critical Care Medicine
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Alpha-tocopherol, an antioxidant, improved survival in sepsis by preventing red blood cell (RBC) deformability. This suggests free radicals contribute to sepsis-related circulatory issues.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Sepsis Pathophysiology
- Antioxidant Research
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection.
- Red blood cell (RBC) deformability is crucial for microcirculatory flow and oxygen delivery.
- Free radical damage is implicated in sepsis-induced organ dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of alpha-tocopherol, a free radical scavenger, on key physiological parameters during sepsis.
- To assess the effect of alpha-tocopherol on RBC deformability, oxygen saturation, and survival rates in a sepsis model.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled study was conducted using Sprague-Dawley rats.
- Animals were divided into three groups: sham surgery, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and CLP with alpha-tocopherol pretreatment.
- Measurements included mixed venous hemoglobin saturation (SvO2), arterial-venous oxygen content difference (C[a-v]O2), pHv, and survival rate.
Main Results:
- The CLP group exhibited significantly higher SvO2 and lower C[a-v]O2, pHv, and survival rates compared to the alpha-tocopherol/CLP and sham groups.
- Alpha-tocopherol treatment significantly improved survival rates in the CLP model.
- No significant difference in arterial pH (pHa) was observed between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-tocopherol administration enhances survival during sepsis.
- The study suggests that alpha-tocopherol prevents the decrease in RBC deformability observed during sepsis, indicating a role for free radicals in this phenomenon.
- These findings provide indirect evidence that reduced RBC deformability contributes to impaired microcirculatory flow and peripheral shunting in sepsis.