DT
PT
Subscribe To Print Edition About The Tribune Code Of Ethics Download App Advertise with us Classifieds
search-icon-img
search-icon-img
Advertisement

Scientists find sepsis molecule, to boost treatments for critically ill patients

This specific molecule, named 026:B6, is particularly good at setting off the blood clotting reaction responsible for fatalities caused by sepsis   
  • fb
  • twitter
  • whatsapp
  • whatsapp
featured-img featured-img
Photo for representational purposes only. iStock
Advertisement

A team of US scientists has uncovered how a molecule found on certain bacteria may drive blood clotting in sepsis -- a life-threatening condition that causes about eight million deaths per year.

The team at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) focused on the role of specific blood clotting mechanisms in sepsis.

The findings may pave the way for enhancing treatments for critically ill patients. They found that lipopolysaccharide, or LPS -- a molecule found on the surface of certain bacteria like E. coli -- can directly activate proteins in the blood that trigger clotting.

Advertisement

This process can both block blood flow and damage vital organs in a chain reaction where proteins in the blood work together to form clots. The researchers found a specific type of LPS, called O26:B6, that is particularly good at setting off this reaction, making it more likely to cause clotting problems.

The research, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, is based on a study conducted in nonhuman primates. The team found that when bacteria containing LPS entered the bloodstream, it quickly activated the clotting system.

Advertisement

This included coagulating proteins like factor XII, which seems to initiate the clotting process, causing a chain reaction. "People who are born without factor XII are healthy and don't bleed abnormally," said Joseph Shatzel, a physician-scientist at OHSU.

"That makes it a great target for therapies -- blocking it might help stop dangerous clots without causing bleeding."

Andre L. Lira, Postdoctoral scholar and lead author of the study, said his research focuses on how the physical properties of bacterial surfaces trigger the clotting system. Sepsis can arise from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

"Even when we know the bacteria causing the infection, different strains can behave differently," he said. "By understanding this, we hope to develop precision therapies." The team is working on experimental treatments targeting factor XII, including antibodies designed to block its activity.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
tlbr_img1 Home tlbr_img2 Opinion tlbr_img3 Classifieds tlbr_img4 Videos tlbr_img5 E-Paper