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Expression of beta 2-integrins and L-selectin on polymorphonuclear leukocytes in septic patients

M Thiel1, C Zourelidis, J D Chambers

  • 1Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich, Germany.

European Surgical Research. Europaische Chirurgische Forschung. Recherches Chirurgicales Europeennes
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Low expression of adhesion molecules like beta 2-integrins and L-selectin on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in sepsis patients indicates a higher risk of mortality. Measuring these molecules can help identify high-risk individuals for better sepsis management.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) express adhesion molecules crucial for fighting infections.
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and septic shock can lead to organ failure and poor patient outcomes.
  • Understanding PMNL adhesion molecule expression is vital for predicting sepsis severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression levels of beta 2-integrins and L-selectin on blood PMNL in sepsis patients.
  • To correlate adhesion molecule expression with sepsis severity and patient survival.
  • To evaluate the potential of adhesion molecule measurement as a prognostic tool in sepsis.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to quantify beta 2-integrins (CD18) and L-selectin (CD62L) on PMNL from sepsis patients and healthy volunteers.
  • Adhesion molecule expression was measured at baseline, after in vitro incubation, and following stimulation.
  • Sepsis severity was assessed using the Elebute score.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in basal, spontaneous, and stimulus-induced adhesion molecule expression were observed between healthy individuals, survivors, and nonsurvivors.
  • Patients with severe sepsis (Elebute score > 12) who did not survive showed significantly lower basal expression of both beta 2-integrins and L-selectin.
  • These findings highlight distinct adhesion molecule profiles associated with sepsis outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Basal expression levels of beta 2-integrins and L-selectin on circulating PMNL differ between sepsis survivors and nonsurvivors.
  • Lower expression of these adhesion molecules in severe sepsis patients is linked to a higher risk of mortality.
  • Measuring PMNL adhesion molecules may serve as a valuable biomarker for identifying septic patients at high risk of a lethal outcome.

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