Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025
05:52
Author Spotlight: Induction of Experimental Endotoxemic Shock in Pigs for Studying Hemodynamic and Respiratory Failure
Published on: December 8, 2023
1.0K
Transcriptomic changes in the large organs in lethal meningococcal shock are reflected in a porcine shock model
Berit Sletbakk Brusletto1, Bernt Christian Hellerud2, Ole Kristoffer Olstad1
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|August 29, 2022
Summary
A porcine model accurately mimics the gene expression patterns of fulminant meningococcal sepsis seen in human patients, validating its use for studying inflammatory responses and potential treatments for this severe infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genomics
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Fulminant meningococcal sepsis causes severe inflammation and organ failure.
- A porcine model was previously developed to study this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare organ-specific gene expression profiles in a porcine model with those in human patients with meningococcal sepsis.
- To validate the porcine model's relevance for studying human disease.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiles from human patients (n=5) and a porcine model (n=8) were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA).
- Meningococcal load in organs was quantified using real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- Striking concordance in transcriptional activation patterns and pathways between patients and the porcine model.
- Similar upregulation of inflammatory genes and downregulation of genes related to mortality were observed.
- Differences in top-upstream regulators were noted, potentially due to experimental duration.
Conclusions:
- The porcine model effectively reproduces the transcriptomic inflammatory responses of meningococcal sepsis seen in humans.
- This model is a valuable tool for investigating immunological aspects and treatment strategies for meningococcal sepsis.
