Sepsis‑induced cardiac dysfunction and pathogenetic mechanisms (Review).

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Cardiology
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Sepsis, an immune response to infection, is a leading cause of death, often leading to multi-organ failure.
• Septic cardiomyopathy, a common and severe consequence of sepsis, significantly increases mortality risk.
• Current understanding of septic cardiomyopathy pathogenesis is limited, hindering effective treatment development.

Approach:

• This review summarizes recent advances in understanding cardiac dysfunction during sepsis.
• Focuses on key pathogenic mechanisms including mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic alterations, and cell death pathways.
• Examines diagnostic criteria and current/future therapeutic strategies for sepsis-induced heart dysfunction.

Key Points:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in sepsis-induced cardiac injury.
• Metabolic reprogramming and altered energy production contribute to heart failure in sepsis.
• Specific cell death pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of septic cardiomyopathy.
• Early diagnosis and targeted therapies are crucial for improving outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Further research into septic cardiomyopathy pathogenesis is essential for identifying novel therapeutic targets.
• A comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanisms can guide the development of improved treatment strategies.
• Reducing mortality from sepsis requires a multi-faceted approach addressing both infection and cardiac complications.