Leukocyte lysosomal function in sepsis

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Elective operations carry a risk of postoperative infectious complications.
• Leukocyte function, including lysosomal enzyme release and myeloperoxidase activity, is crucial for immune response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate leukocyte lysosomal enzyme release, lysosome latency, and myeloperoxidase activity in patients undergoing elective surgery.
• To determine if these leukocyte parameters correlate with the development of postoperative infectious complications.

Main Methods:

• Assessed leukocyte lysosomal enzyme release, lysosome latency, and myeloperoxidase activity.
• Studied 117 patients undergoing elective operations and 17 control patients.
• Monitored patients for infectious complications in the postoperative period.

Main Results:

• Fifteen patients developed postoperative infectious complications.
• In these 15 patients, percentage lysosomal enzyme release and myeloperoxidase activity significantly decreased and remained low by the 7th postoperative day.
• In four patients, these alterations preceded the clinical diagnosis of infectious complications.

Conclusions:

• Abnormal leukocyte lysosomal enzyme release and myeloperoxidase activity may serve as indicators for patients at risk of developing infectious complications after elective surgery.
• These biochemical markers could play a role in the pathophysiology of postoperative infections.