Redox Responses in Patients with Sepsis : High Correlation of Thioredoxin-1 and Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Plasma Levels

Abstract EN

Background.

Redox active substances (e.g., Thioredoxin-1, Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor) seem to be central hubs in the septic inflammatory process.

Materials and Methods.

Blood samples from patients with severe sepsis or septic shock (n=15) were collected at the time of sepsis diagnosis (t0), and 24 (t24) and 48 (t48) hours later; samples from healthy volunteers (n=18) were collected once; samples from postoperative patients (n=28) were taken one time immediately after surgery.

In all patients, we measured plasma levels of IL-6, TRX1 and MIF.

Results.

The plasma levels of MIF and TRX1 were significantly elevated in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

Furthermore, TRX1 and MIF plasma levels showed a strong correlation (t0: rsp=0.720,ρ=0.698/t24: rsp=0.771,ρ=0.949).

Conclusions.

Proinflammatory/~oxidative and anti-inflammatory/~oxidative agents show a high correlation in order to maintain a redox homeostasis and to avoid the harmful effects of an excessive inflammatory/oxidative response.