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Published on: June 15, 2019
Cell death in sepsis: unveiling new perspectives on organ dysfunction
Runze Jiang1, Pingping Cai1,2
1Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Sepsis mortality stems from organ dysfunction driven by regulated cell death (RCD) pathways like siderophosis and pyrophosphosis. Targeting these RCD mechanisms offers therapeutic potential for sepsis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Sepsis is a global health threat with high mortality, primarily due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
- Regulated cell death (RCD) pathways, including siderophosis and pyrophosphosis, are increasingly recognized as key drivers of sepsis-induced immune damage and organ failure.
- These RCD mechanisms not only cause cell death but also amplify inflammation, disrupt homeostasis, and accelerate MODS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of specific RCD pathways in sepsis pathogenesis.
- To discuss the challenges and potential of targeting RCD pathways for sepsis treatment.
- To highlight the need for time-adaptive, multi-target therapeutic strategies and reliable biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging research on RCD pathways in sepsis.
- Analysis of pathogenic mechanisms including gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis, cytokine storm, iron-related lipid peroxidation, and immune apoptosis.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies and biomarker identification.
Main Results:
- Sepsis involves complex RCD pathways that contribute significantly to MODS.
- Key mechanisms include GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis, cytokine storm, cardiac dysfunction from iron-related lipid peroxidation, and immunosuppression via apoptosis.
- Targeting RCD pathways presents therapeutic opportunities but requires balancing efficacy with infection control.
Conclusions:
- Regulated cell death pathways are critical contributors to sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
- A time-adaptive, multi-target therapeutic approach is necessary for effective sepsis management.
- Development of reliable biomarkers is essential for early diagnosis and improved patient outcomes in sepsis.
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