Manifold beneficial effects of acetyl salicylic acid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on sepsis

Acetylsalicylic Acid Treatment in Patients With Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Phase 2, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

Platelets play a critical role in the inflammatory response and coagulation. We aimed to evaluate whether the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) would reduce the intensity of organ dysfunction in septic patients.

DESIGN

Randomized, blinded, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Five general ICUs in Brazil.

PATIENTS

Adults with sepsis for no longer than 48 hours who had at least one severe organ dysfunction (lactate > 4 mmol/L, platelets < 100,000/mm3, Pao2/Fio2 ratio < 200, or septic shock).

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to receive 200 mg of ASA or placebo for 7 days.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was the change in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score between day 0 and day 7 or date of discharge/death. Safety outcomes were major bleeding and the number of blood transfusions within 14 days. The planned sample size was 218 with interim safety analyses after enrolling 109 and 163 patients. The study was discontinued due to higher frequency of major bleeding in the ASA group. We included 166 patients (ASA: 82 patients, placebo: 84). In the adjusted analysis, there was no difference in the SOFA change between the groups (mean placebo to ASA group difference, 0.60; 95% CI, -0.55 to 1.75; p = 0.30). There were no differences in any of the secondary outcomes. In the intervention group, there were a higher number of serious adverse events (9 [11%] vs. 1 [1.2%]; p = 0.009) and major bleeding (8 [8.5%] vs. 1 [1.2%]; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In this population of septic patients, ASA did not reduce the intensity of organ dysfunction. ASA increased the risk of severe bleeding compared with placebo.

Copper-Based Nanoparticles for Effective Treatment Against Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury in Mice Model

Introduction

Lung injury, a common complication of sepsis, arises from elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death driven by inflammation. In this study, a novel class of ultrasmall nanoparticles (Cu4.5O USNPs) was developed to address sepsis-induced lung injury (SILI).

Methods

The synthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized to assess their properties. In vitro experiments were conducted to determine the biologically effective concentration and elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action. These findings were further supported by in vivo studies, showcasing the material's efficacy in mitigating SILI.

Results

The Cu4.5O USNPs demonstrated remarkable scavenging capabilities for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anions (O2 -), and hydroxyl radicals (·OH), attributed to their catalase (CAT)- and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities. Additionally, the nanoparticles exhibited strong anti-inflammatory effects, preserved mitochondrial homeostasis through potent ROS scavenging, and significantly reduced cell death. In vivo studies on mice further validated their protective role against SILI.

The conclusion

This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Cu4.5O USNPs in treating sepsis-induced lung injury by effectively scavenging ROS and reducing cell death. These findings provide compelling evidence for the future use of copper-based nanoparticles as antioxidant therapeutics.

Metamizole outperforms meloxicam in sepsis: insights on analgesics, survival and immunomodulation in the peritoneal contamination and infection sepsis model

Background

Limited availability and side effects of opioids have led to an increased use of non-opioid analgesia in animal disease models. However, by affecting the immune-inflammatory reactions, analgesia may disrupt the resolution of the host inflammation and modulate the survival in septic animals. This study used a clinically relevant sepsis mouse model of peritoneal contamination and infection (PCI) to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of two non-opioid analgesics.

Methods

Adult C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with a human feces suspension and received either no analgesics (Non-A), Meloxicam, or Metamizole orally. The mice were monitored for pain and illness. Mortality was assessed at 7 days post-PCI. A separate group of mice was sacrificed 24 hours after infection. Blood, peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF), liver, and spleen were harvested for pathogen load quantification via qPCR, macrophage phenotyping, neutrophil infiltration/activation, and systemic/tissue cytokine release by flow cytometry.

Results

Meloxicam but not Metamizole reduced the mortality of septic mice by 31% on day 7 compared to the Non-A group. Both analgesics effectively alleviated pain but did not affect illness severity, body weight, and temperature. Meloxicam quadrupled the bacterial burden in the blood and PLF. In high IL-6 responders, Meloxicam treatment was associated with reduced circulating IL-10 and IL-1β compared to the Non-A septic group. In low IL-6 responders, Meloxicam increased circulating MCP-1 levels and decreased PGE2 levels compared to Non-A septic mice. Notably, Meloxicam reduced spleen neutrophil infiltration by 20% compared to two other sepsis groups.

Conclusion

Metamizole and Meloxicam effectively relieved pain and increased the animals' basal activity in the PCI sepsis model. Meloxicam prolonged survival yet triggered maladaptive responses due to its immunosuppressive features that decreased tissue bacterial clearance during sepsis. In contrast, Metamizole constitutes a safe and effective non-opioid alternative for analgesic control in the non-surgical PCI sepsis model.

Diflunisal and Analogue Pharmacophores Mediating Suppression of Virulence Phenotypes in Staphylococcus aureus

Invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are leading causes of morbidity and mortality that are complicated by increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics. Thus, minimizing virulence and enhancing antibiotic efficacy against MRSA is a public health imperative. We originally demonstrated that diflunisal (DIF; [2-hydroxy-5-(2,4-difluorophenyl) benzoic acid]) inhibits S. aureus virulence factor expression. To investigate pharmacophores that are active in this function, we evaluated a library of structural analogues for their efficacy to modulate virulence phenotypes in a panel of clinically relevant S. aureus isolates in vitro. Overall, the positions of the phenyl, hydroxyl, and carboxylic moieties and the presence or type of halogen (F vs. Cl) influenced the efficacy of compounds in suppressing hemolysis, proteolysis, and biofilm virulence phenotypes. Analogues lacking halogens inhibited proteolysis to an extent similar to DIF but were ineffective at reducing hemolysis or biofilm production. In contrast, most analogues lacking the hydroxyl or carboxylic acid groups did not suppress proteolysis but did mitigate hemolysis and biofilm production to an extent similar to DIF. Interestingly, chirality and the substitution of fluorine with chlorine resulted in a differential reduction in virulence phenotypes. Together, this pattern of data suggests virulence-suppressing pharmacophores of DIF and structural analogues integrate halogen, hydroxyl, and carboxylic acid moiety stereochemistry. The anti-virulence effects of DIF were achieved using concentrations that are safe in humans, do not impair platelet antimicrobial functions, do not affect S. aureus growth, and do not alter the efficacy of conventional antibiotics. These results offer proof of concept for using novel anti-virulence strategies as adjuvants to antibiotic therapy to address the challenge of MRSA infection.

Diflunisal Attenuates Virulence Factor Gene Regulation and Phenotypes in Staphylococcus aureus

Virulence factor expression is integral to pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus. We previously demonstrated that aspirin, through its major metabolite, salicylic acid (SAL), modulates S. aureus virulence phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. We compared salicylate metabolites and a structural analogue for their ability to modulate S. aureus virulence factor expression and phenotypes: (i) acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin); (ii) ASA metabolites, salicylic acid (SAL), gentisic acid (GTA) and salicyluric acid (SUA); or (iii) diflunisal (DIF), a SAL structural analogue. None of these compounds altered the growth rate of any strain tested. ASA and its metabolites SAL, GTA and SUA moderately impaired hemolysis and proteolysis phenotypes in multiple S. aureus strain backgrounds and their respective deletion mutants. Only DIF significantly inhibited these virulence phenotypes in all strains. The kinetic profiles of ASA, SAL or DIF on expression of hla (alpha hemolysin), sspA (V8 protease) and their regulators (sigB, sarA, agr (RNAIII)) were assessed in two prototypic strain backgrounds: SH1000 (methicillin-sensitive S. aureus; MSSA) and LAC-USA300 (methicillin-resistant S. aureus; MRSA). DIF induced sigB expression which is coincident with the significant inhibition of RNAIII expression in both strains and precedes significant reductions in hla and sspA expression. The inhibited expression of these genes within 2 h resulted in the durable suppression of hemolysis and proteolysis phenotypes. These results indicate that DIF modulates the expression of key virulence factors in S. aureus via a coordinated impact on their relevant regulons and target effector genes. This strategy may hold opportunities to develop novel antivirulence strategies to address the ongoing challenge of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus.

The impact of aspirin exposure prior to intensive care unit admission on the outcomes for patients with sepsis-associated acute respiratory failure

Objectives: This present study aimed to infer the association between aspirin exposure prior to ICU admission and the clinical outcomes of patients with Sepsis-associated acute respiratory failure (S-ARF). Methods: We obtained data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV 2.0. Patients were divided into pre-ICU aspirin exposure group and Non-aspirin exposure group based on whether they took aspirin before ICU admission. The primary outcome is 28-day mortality. Augmented inverse propensity weighted was used to explore the average treatment effect (ATE) of the pre-ICU aspirin exposure. A generalized additive mixed model was used to analyze the longitudinal data of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), red cell distribution width (RDW), oxygenation index (P/F), dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), mechanical power (MP), and mechanical power normalized to predicted body weight (WMP) in the two groups. A multiple mediation model was constructed to explore the possible mediators between pre-ICU aspirin exposure and outcomes of patients with S-ARF. Results: A total of 2090 S-ARF patients were included in this study. Pre-ICU aspirin exposure decreased 28-day mortality (ATE, -0.1945, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.2786 to -0.1103, p < 0.001), 60-day mortality (ATE, -0.1781, 95% Cl, -0.2647 to -0.0915, p < 0.001), and hospital mortality (ATE, -0.1502, 95%CI, -0.2340 to -0.0664, p < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, the ATE for 28-day mortality, 60-day mortality, and hospital mortality were not statistically significant in the coronary care unit group, high-dose group (over 100 mg/d), and no invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) group. After excluding these non-beneficiaries, Cdyn and P/F ratio of the pre-ICU aspirin exposure group increased by 0.31mL/cmH₂O (SE, 0.21, p = 0.016), and 0.43 mmHg (SE, 0.24, p = 0.041) every hour compared to that of non-aspirin exposure group after initialing IMV. The time-weighted average of NLR, Cdyn, WMP played a mediating role of 8.6%, 24.7%, and 13% of the total effects of pre-ICU aspirin exposure and 28-day mortality, respectively. Conclusion: Pre-ICU aspirin exposure was associated with decreased 28-day mortality, 60-day mortality, and hospital mortality in S-ARF patients except those admitted to CCU, and those took a high-dose aspirin or did not receive IMV. The protective effect of aspirin may be mediated by a low dynamic level of NLR and a high dynamic level of Cdyn and WMP. The findings should be interpreted cautiously, given the sample size and potential for residual confounding.

Roles of ginsenosides in sepsis

The herbal medication Panax ginseng Meyer has widespread use in China, Korea, and other parts of the world. The main constituents of ginseng are ginsenosides, which include over 30 different triterpene saponins. It has been found that ginsenosides and their metabolites including Rg1, compound K, Rb1, Re, Rg3, and Rg5 exert anti-inflammatory activities by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, modulating inflammation-related signaling, including NF-κB and MAPK signaling, and reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we review the recent literature on the molecular actions of ginsenosides in sepsis, suggesting ways in which they may be used to prevent and treat the disease.

Association Between Aspirin Use and Sepsis Outcomes: A National Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Aspirin has anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet activities and directly inhibits bacterial growth. These effects of aspirin may improve survival in patients with sepsis. We retrospectively reviewed a large national health database to test the relationship between prehospital aspirin use and sepsis outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 2001 to 2011 to examine the relationship between aspirin use before hospital admission and sepsis outcomes. The association between aspirin use and 90-day mortality in sepsis patients was determined using logistic regression models and weighting patients by the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) with the propensity score. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for each IPTW cohort were plotted for 90-day mortality. For sensitivity analyses, restricted mean survival times (RMSTs) were calculated based on Kaplan-Meier curves with 3-way IPTW analysis comparing current use, past use, and nonuse.

RESULTS

Of 52,982 patients with sepsis, 12,776 took aspirin before hospital admission (users), while 39,081 did not take any antiplatelet agents including aspirin before hospital admission (nonusers). After IPTW analysis, we found that when compared to nonusers, patients who were taking aspirin within 90 days before sepsis onset had a lower 90-day mortality rate (IPTW odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.93; P < .0001). Based on IPTW RMST analysis, nonusers had an average survival of 71.75 days, while current aspirin users had an average survival of 73.12 days. The difference in mean survival time was 1.37 days (95% CI, 0.50-2.24; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Aspirin therapy before hospital admission is associated with a reduced 90-day mortality in sepsis patients.

Oxygen therapy for sepsis and prevention of complications

Patients with sepsis have a wide range of respiratory disorders that can be treated with oxygen therapy. Experimental data in animal sepsis models show that oxygen therapy significantly increases survival, while clinical data on the use of different oxygen therapy protocols are ambiguous. Oxygen therapy, especially hyperbaric oxygenation, in patients with sepsis can aggravate existing oxidative stress and contribute to the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation. The purpose of this article is to compare experimental and clinical data on oxygen therapy in animals and humans, to discuss factors that can influence the results of oxygen therapy for sepsis treatment in humans, and to provide some recommendations for reducing oxidative stress and preventing disseminated intravascular coagulation during oxygen therapy.

Transfusion of fresh washed platelets does not prevent experimental polymicrobial-induced septic shock in mice

INTRODUCTION

The specific role of platelets during sepsis is not yet fully understood, probably related to the paradox of platelets being potentially beneficial but also deleterious via their thrombotic functions.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of thrombocytopenia on septic shock in mice and to investigate whether transfusion of fresh washed platelets, either fully functional or with impaired hemostatic properties, might have beneficial effects.

METHODS

Septic shock was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Experimental depletion of circulating platelets was induced with a rat anti-mouse GPIbα monoclonal antibody. Transfusion of either wild-type washed platelets, platelets treated with the antiplatelet drugs acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel, or GPIIbIIIa-deficient washed platelets treated with ASA and clopidogrel was performed 4 h after CLP surgery.

RESULTS

Depletion of circulating platelets negatively affected septic shock, worsening systemic inflammation, coagulopathy, organ damage, and mortality, raising the question of whether a higher platelet count could be protective. Transfusion of fully functional platelets or platelets with combined treatment with ASA and clopidogrel, with or without additional GPIIbIIIa deficiency, afforded an immediate return of circulating platelet counts to their initial values before surgery. However, transfusion of each of the three types of platelets did not prevent arterial hypotension, inflammatory response, coagulopathy, and organ damage during septic shock.

CONCLUSION

Depletion of circulating platelets negatively affects septic shock, while transfusion of washed platelets has no significant beneficial effect in mice.

Clinical Applications of Aspirin as a Multi-potent Drug Beyond Cardiovascular Implications: A Proof of Concept for Anesthesiologists- A Narrative Review

To the best of our knowledge, aspirin (ASA) is known as a commonly used medication worldwide. Although the cardiovascular aspects of ASA are well-established, recently, it has been identified that ASA can yield multiple extra-cardiovascular therapeutic potencies in facing neurodegenerative disorders, various cancers, inflammatory responses, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we aimed to highlight the proven role of ASA administration in the variety of non-cardiovascular diseases, particularly in the field of anesthesiology.

Platelet P2Y 12 Receptor Deletion or Pharmacological Inhibition does not Protect Mice from Sepsis or Septic Shock

Introduction  Platelets are increasingly appreciated as key effectors during sepsis, raising the question of the usefulness of antiplatelet drugs to treat patients with sepsis.

Objective  Evaluate the potential contribution of the platelet P2Y ₁₂ receptor in the pathogenesis of polymicrobial-induced sepsis and septic shock in mice.

Methods  The effects of P2Y ₁₂ inhibition using clopidogrel treatment and of platelet-specific deletion of the P2Y ₁₂ receptor in mice were examined in two severity grades of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) leading to mild sepsis or septic shock.

Results  Twenty hours after induction of the high grade CLP, clopidogrel- and vehicle-treated mice displayed a similar 30% decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) characteristic of shock. Septic shock-induced thrombocytopenia was not modified by clopidogrel treatment. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were similarly increased in clopidogrel- and vehicle-treated mice, indicating comparable increase in systemic inflammation. Thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes and the extent of organ damage were also similar. In mild-grade CLP, clopidogrel- and vehicle-treated mice did not display a significant decrease in MAP, while thrombocytopenia and plasma concentrations of TNFα, IL6, IL10, MPO, TAT and organ damage reached similar levels in both groups, although lower than those reached in the high grade CLP. Similarly, mice with platelet-specific deletion of the P2Y ₁₂ receptor were not protected from CLP-induced sepsis or septic shock.

Conclusion  The platelet P2Y ₁₂ receptor does not contribute to the pathogenesis of sepsis or septic shock in mice, suggesting that P2Y ₁₂ receptor antagonists may not be beneficial in patients with sepsis or septic shock.

Effect of aspirin on deaths associated with sepsis in healthy older people (ANTISEPSIS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled primary prevention trial

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a serious global health issue and a major cause of death and disability. The availability of a simple, community-based preventive strategy could substantially reduce the burden of sepsis. We aimed to establish whether low-dose aspirin reduced deaths or hospital admissions associated with sepsis in older people.

METHODS

ANTISEPSIS was a substudy of ASPREE (a randomised controlled primary prevention trial of low-dose aspirin [100 mg per day] compared with placebo in community dwelling older adults conducted in Australia and the USA), with the Australian cohort included in the ANTISEPSIS substudy. Inclusion criteria were participants aged at least 70 years who did not have major illnesses. Participants were block randomised (1:1) via a centralised web portal and stratified by general practice and age. Participants, investigators, and staff were masked to the intervention. Teams of clinical specialist investigators assessed potential sepsis events to establish if they satisfied the primary endpoint of death associated with sepsis. The analyses were by intention-to-treat with univariate survival analysis methods, the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression. This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12613000349741.

RESULTS

Between March 10, 2010, and Dec 24, 2014, of 20 288 individuals assessed for eligibility, 16 703 participants aged 70 years and older at trial entry were enrolled and followed up for a median of 4·6 years (IQR 3·6-5·6). 8322 (49·8%) participants were assigned to receive aspirin and 8381 (50·2%) to placebo. 203 deaths were considered to be associated with sepsis. Univariate analysis showed similar rates of death associated with sepsis in the two study groups (hazard ratio for aspirin vs placebo 1·08, 95% CI 0·82-1·43; p=0·57). Adverse events were previously reported in the ASPREE trial.

INTERPRETATION

Daily low-dose aspirin treatment did not reduce deaths associated with sepsis in community dwelling older adults. Our findings do not support the use of aspirin as a primary prevention strategy to reduce the burden of sepsis in this population.

FUNDING

National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, National Institutes of Health, Monash University.

Cytokine and lipid metabolome effects of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid in critically ill patients with systemic inflammation: a pilot, feasibility, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a dysregulated response that contributes to critical illness. Adjunctive acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) treatment may offer beneficial effects by increasing the synthesis of specialised proresolving mediators (a subset of polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived lipid mediators).

DESIGN

Pilot, feasibility, multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Four interdisciplinary intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Critically ill patients with SIRS.

INTERVENTIONS

ASA 100 mg 12-hourly or placebo, administered within 24 hours of ICU admission and continued until ICU day 7, discharge or death, whichever came first.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum concentration at 48 hours after randomisation and, in a prespecified subgroup of patients, serum lipid mediator concentrations measured by mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The trial was discontinued in December 2017 due to slow recruitment and after the inclusion of 48 patients. Compared with placebo, ASA did not decrease IL-6 serum concentration at 48 hours. In the 32 patients with analysis of lipid mediators, low-dose ASA increased the concentration of 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, a proresolving precursor of lipoxin A4, and reduced the concentration of the proinflammatory cytochrome P-dependent mediators 17-HETE (hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid), 18-HETE and 20-HETE. In the eicosapentaenoic acid pathway, ASA significantly increased the concentration of the anti-inflammatory mediators 17,18-DiHETE (dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid) and 14,15-DiHETE.

CONCLUSIONS

In ICU patients with SIRS, low-dose ASA did not significantly alter serum IL-6 concentrations, but it did affect plasma concentrations of certain lipid mediators. The ability to measure lipid mediators in clinical samples and to monitor the effect of ASA on their levels unlocks a potential area of biological investigation in critical care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12614001165673).

Treatment With Acetylsalicylic Acid Reverses Endotoxin Tolerance in Humans In Vivo: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate immunostimulatory effects of acetylsalicylic acid during experimental human endotoxemia and in sepsis patients.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers and ex vivo stimulation experiments using monocytes of septic patients.

SETTING

Intensive care research unit of an university hospital.

SUBJECTS

Thirty healthy male volunteers and four sepsis patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Healthy volunteers were challenged IV with endotoxin twice, at a 1-week interval, with each challenge consisting of a bolus of 1 ng/kg followed by continuous administration of 1 ng/kg/hr during 3 hours. Volunteers were randomized to acetylsalicylic acid prophylaxis (80 mg acetylsalicylic acid daily for a 14-d period, starting 7 d before the first endotoxin challenge), acetylsalicylic acid treatment (80 mg acetylsalicylic acid daily for the 7-d period in-between both endotoxin challenges), or the control group (receiving placebo). Furthermore, monocytes of sepsis patients were incubated with acetylsalicylic acid preexposed platelets and were subsequently stimulated with endotoxin.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Acetylsalicylic acid prophylaxis enhanced plasma tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations upon the first endotoxin challenge by 50% compared with the control group (p = 0.02) but did not modulate cytokine responses during the second endotoxin challenge. In contrast, acetylsalicylic acid treatment resulted in enhanced plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (+53%; p = 0.02), interleukin-6 (+91%; p = 0.03), and interleukin-8 (+42%; p = 0.02) upon the second challenge, whereas plasma levels of the key antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 were attenuated (-40%; p = 0.003). This proinflammatory phenotype in the acetylsalicylic acid treatment group was accompanied by a decrease in urinary prostaglandin E metabolite levels (-27% ± 7%; p = 0.01). Ex vivo exposure of platelets to acetylsalicylic acid increased production of tumor necrosis factor-α (+66%) and decreased production of interleukin-10 (-23%) by monocytes of sepsis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment, but not prophylaxis, with low-dose acetylsalicylic acid, partially reverses endotoxin tolerance in humans in vivo by shifting response toward a proinflammatory phenotype. This acetylsalicylic acid-induced proinflammatory shift was also observed in septic monocytes, signifying that patients suffering from sepsis-induced immunoparalysis might benefit from initiating acetylsalicylic acid treatment.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Impact on the Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients with Clostridium difficile Infection

Purpose

Mouse model experiments have demonstrated an increased Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) severity with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) use. We aim to evaluate the impact of NSAIDs in humans after a diagnosis of CDI on primary outcomes defined as I) all-cause mortality and II) toxic mega-colon attributable to CDI.

Patients and methods

All hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of CDI were divided into two groups; those with NSAIDs administered up to 10 days after onset of CDI versus no NSAIDs use. The primary outcomes were analyzed between the groups, while controlling for severity of CDI. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of worse outcomes.

Results

NSAIDs were administered in 14% (n=80) of the 568 hospitalized visits for an average of 2.5 days after the CDI diagnosis. All-cause mortality was high in patients who did not receive NSAIDs as compared to those who did receive NSAIDs (16.6% vs 12.5%, p 0.354). Patients who were prescribed NSAIDs were more likely to have toxic mega-colon as compared to those who were not prescribed NSAIDs (2.5% vs 0.6%, p 0.094). Results were not statistically significant, even after controlling for CDI severity. Logistic regression analysis did not identify NSAIDs administration as a significant factor for all-cause mortality in CDI patients.

Conclusion

This retrospective study results, contrary to mouse model, did not show association between NSAID use and CDI related mortality and toxic mega-colon. Shorter duration of NSAIDs use, younger people in study group, and timely CDI treatment may have resulted in contrasting results.

Influence of Acetylsalicylic Acid Use on Risk and Outcome of Community-Acquired Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Population-Based Study

Objective

To investigate the influence of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use on risk and outcome of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (CA-SAB).

Method

We used population-based medical databases to identify all patients diagnosed in northern Denmark with first-time CA-SAB and matched population controls from 2000–2011. Categories for ASA users included current users (new or long-term users), former users, and nonusers. The analyses were adjusted for comorbidities, comedication use, and socioeconomic indicators.

Results

We identified 2638 patients with first-time CA-SAB and 26 379 matched population controls. Compared with nonusers, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for CA-SAB was 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–1.13) for current users, 1.00 (95% CI, 0.86–1.16) for former users, 2.04 (95% CI, 1.42–2.94) for new users, and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.84–1.09) for long-term users. Thirty-day cumulative mortality was 28.0% among current users compared with 21.6% among nonusers, yielding an adjusted hazard rate ratio (aHRR) of 1.02 (95% CI, 0.84–1.25). Compared with nonusers, the aHRR was 1.10 (95% CI, 0.87–1.40) for former users, 0.60 (95% CI, 0.29–1.21) for new users, and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.87–1.31) for long-term users. We observed no difference in the risk or outcome of CA-SAB with increasing ASA dose or by presence of diseases commonly treated with ASA.

Conclusions

Use of ASA did not seem to influence the risk or outcome of CA-SAB. The apparent increased risk among new users may relate to residual confounding from the circumstances underlying ASA treatment initiation. Our finding of no association remained robust with increasing ASA dose and across multiple patient subsets.

A Hypothesis-Generating Study of the Combination of Aspirin plus Macrolides in Patients with Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia

While the inflammatory response to severe pneumonia is paramount in limiting and resolving the infection, excessive inflammation can lead to deleterious effects. We theorized that patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) who were treated with macrolides and aspirin would receive benefit beyond that of conventional antibiotic therapy. An observational study was conducted with patients with severe CAP. All patients were admitted to 5 teaching hospitals (in Italy, the United States, Japan, and China), and data were gathered from their electronic medical records. Severe pneumonia was defined according to Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society criteria. Patients were divided into 4 groups, i.e., (i) the aspirin-only group (ASG), (ii) the macrolide-only group (MG), (iii) the aspirin plus macrolide group (ASMG), or (iv) the neither aspirin nor macrolide group (NASMG). Survival rates for the 4 groups were evaluated after adjustment for confounders and after weighting by propensity score. A total of 1,295 patients were included in the analysis. There were 237 patients (18.3%) in the ASG, 294 (22.7%) in the MG, 148 (11.4%) in the ASMG, and 616 (47.6%) in the NASMG. The mortality rate at 30 days was 15.5% in the ASMG, compared to 28.2% in the NASMG, 23.8% in the MG, and 21.1% in the ASG. After propensity score analysis, receipt of aspirin plus macrolide (hazard ratio, 0.71 [95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 0.88]; P = 0.002) was associated with a higher 30-day survival rate. This is a hypothesis-generating study in which data suggest that the combination of aspirin plus a macrolide improves 30-day survival rates for patients with severe CAP. Further randomized studies will need to be undertaken to confirm this phenomenon.

Critical Care Management: Sepsis and Disseminated and Local Infections

Local and systemic infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised children, including but not limited to patients with hematologic and solid malignancies, congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies, or hematopoietic cell or solid organ transplantation patients. Progression to septic shock can be rapid and profound and thus requires specific diagnostic and treatment approaches. This chapter will discuss the diagnosis and the initial hemodynamic management strategies of septic shock in immunocompromised children, including strategies to improve oxygen delivery, reduce metabolic demand, and monitor hemodynamic response to resuscitation. This chapter also discusses strategies to reverse septic shock pathobiology, including the use of both empiric and targeted anti-infective strategies and pharmacologic and cell therapy-based immunomodulation. Specific consideration is also paid to the management of high-risk subpopulations and the care of septic shock patients with resolving injury.

Effects of antiplatelet therapy on the mortality rate of patients with sepsis: A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Abnormal platelet activation plays an important role in the development of sepsis. The effect of antiplatelet drugs on the outcome of patients with sepsis remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of antiplatelet drugs on the prognosis of patients with sepsis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library, CBM, and Embase were searched for all related articles published from inception to April 2018. The primary end point was mortality. Adjusted data were used and statistically analysed.

RESULTS

Ten cohort studies were included. The total number of patients with sepsis was 689,897. Data showed that the use of antiplatelet drugs could effectively reduce the mortality of patients with sepsis (odds ratio (OR) = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.81-0.83, p < 0.05). Seven studies used aspirin for antiplatelet therapy, and subgroup analysis showed that aspirin effectively reduced ICU or hospital mortality in patients with sepsis (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.53-0.68, p < 0.05). A subgroup analysis on the timing of anti-platelet drug administration showed that antiplatelet drugs can reduce mortality when administered either before (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.77-0.80) or after sepsis (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.52-0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Antiplatelet drugs, particularly aspirin, could be used to effectively reduce mortality in patients with sepsis.

Two indole-2-carboxamide derivatives attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting inflammatory response

Acute lung injury (ALI) is the leading cause of mortality in the intensive care unit. Currently, there is no effective pharmacological treatment for ALI. In our previous study, we reported that Lg25 and Lg26, two indole-2-carboxamide derivatives, inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokines in vitro and attenuated LPS-induced sepsis in vivo. In the present study, we confirmed data from previous studies that LPS significantly induced pulmonary edema and pathological changes in lung tissue, increased protein concentration and number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF), and increased inflammatory cytokine TNF-α expression in serum and BALF, pro-inflammatory genes expression, and macrophages infiltration in lung tissue. However, pretreatment with Lg25 and Lg26 significantly attenuated the LPS-induced changes in mice. Taken together, these data indicate that the newly discovered indole-2-carboxamide derivatives could be particularly useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as ALI.

A Beneficial Effect of Low-Dose Aspirin in a Murine Model of Active Tuberculosis

An excessive, non-productive host-immune response is detrimental in active, chronic tuberculosis (TB) disease as it typically leads to tissue damage. Given their anti-inflammatory effect, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can potentially attenuate excessive inflammation in active TB disease. As such, we investigated the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of low-dose aspirin (LDA) (3 mg/kg/day), either alone or in combination with common anti-TB treatment or BCG vaccination, on disease outcome in an experimental murine model of active TB. Survival rate, bacillary load (BL) in lungs, and lung pathology were measured. The possible mechanism of action of LDA on the host's immune response was also evaluated by measuring levels of CD5L/AIM, selected cytokines/chemokines and other inflammatory markers in serum and lung tissue. LDA increased survival, had anti-inflammatory effects, reduced lung pathology, and decreased bacillary load in late-stage TB disease. Moreover, in combination with common anti-TB treatment, LDA enhanced survival and reduced lung pathology. Results from the immunological studies suggest the anti-inflammatory action of LDA at both a local and a systemic level. Our results showed a systemic decrease in neutrophilic recruitment, decreased levels of acute-phase reaction cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) at late stage and a delay in the decrease in T cell response (in terms of IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-10 serum levels) that occurs during the course of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. An anti-inflammatory milieu was detected in the lung, with less neutrophil recruitment and lower levels of tissue factor. In conclusion, LDA may be beneficial as an adjunct to standard anti-TB treatment in the later stage of active TB by reducing excess, non-productive inflammation, while enhancing Th1-cell responses for elimination of the bacilli.

Analgesia in clinically relevant rodent models of sepsis

Postoperative analgesia in rodent sepsis models has been considerably neglected in the past. However, intentions to model clinical practice, increasing awareness of animal ethics, efforts to apply the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement), and stricter legislation argue for a change in this respect. In this review, we describe different concepts of analgesia in rodent models of sepsis focusing on opioid agonists as well as non-opioid analgesics. Advantages and pitfalls in study design and side-effects are discussed. Score sheets should be used to adapt analgesia or to terminate experiments using humane endpoints. Further research is needed to differentiate behavioral changes caused by sepsis and pain or as a consequence of analgesia. Information on the efficacy of analgesia in sepsis models is scarce. Hence, studies are needed to identify the best ways to reduce suffering of research animals and thereby optimize the clinically relevant rodent models of sepsis.

Effect of Continuous Digital Hypothermia on Lamellar Inflammatory Signaling When Applied at a Clinically-Relevant Timepoint in the Oligofructose Laminitis Model

BACKGROUND

Although continuous digital hypothermia (CDH) protects lamellae from injury in the oligofructose (OF) model of sepsis-related laminitis (SRL), conflicting results exist from these studies regarding effects of CDH on lamellar inflammatory events.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of CDH on lamellar inflammatory events in normal and OF-treated horses when instituted at a clinically relevant time point (onset of clinical signs of sepsis in this model).

ANIMALS

Standardbred geldings (n = 15) aged 3-11 years were used.

METHODS

In a randomized, controlled discovery study, animals were administered either OF (OF group, n = 8) or water (CON group, n = 8) by nasogastric tube and CDH was initiated in one forelimb (ICE) 12 hours later. Lamellar tissue samples were collected 24 hours after initiation of CDH (ICE and ambient [AMB] forelimbs). Lamellar mRNA concentrations of inflammatory mediators and lamellar leukocyte numbers were assessed using qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively; values from four sample groups (CON AMB, OF AMB, CON ICE, and OF ICE) were analyzed using mixed model linear regression.

RESULTS

Although lamellar mRNA concentrations of multiple inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL1, MCP2, COX-2) were increased after OF administration (OF AMB group versus CON AMB; P < 0.05), only 2 inflammatory mediators (IL-6 and COX-2) and lamellar leukocyte numbers were decreased with CDH (OF ICE versus OF AMB; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Continuous digital hypothermia initiated at a time point similar to that commonly used clinically (clinical onset of sepsis) resulted in a more focused inhibition of inflammatory signaling.

A Propensity Score-Matched Study of the Use of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Inflammation may contribute to poor outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Here, we compared outcomes among propensity score-matched cohorts who did and did not receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use after aSAH.

METHODS

Propensity score-matched analysis of 413 subjects enrolled in the Clazosentan to Overcome Neurological iSChemia and Infarction OccUring after Subarachnoid hemorrhage (CONSCIOUS-1) study. Propensity score matching was performed on the basis of age, sex, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, World Federation of Neurological Societies grade on admission, procedure used for securing aneurysm, and SAH clot burden.

RESULTS

178 patients were matched (89 received NSAIDs, 89 did not). Propensity score matching was considered acceptable. Patients who had received NSAIDs during their hospital stay had significantly lower mortality rate, and reduced duration of intensive care unit stay and total length of hospital stay (P = 0.035, P = 0.009, and P = 0.053, respectively). At 6 weeks, 80.9 % of patients treated with NSAIDs had good functional outcome compared to 68.5 % of matched controls (P = 0.083). There was no significant difference in the proportions of patients who developed delayed ischemic neurological deficits, angiographic vasospasm, or required rescue therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammation may play a crucial role in the poor outcomes after SAH, and that NSAIDs may be a useful therapeutic option, once validated by larger prospective studies.

Sodium salicylate modulates inflammatory responses through AMP-activated protein kinase activation in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells

Sodium salicylate (NaSal) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The putative mechanisms for NaSal's pharmacologic actions include the inhibition of cyclooxygenases, platelet-derived thromboxane A2, and NF-κB signaling. Recent studies demonstrated that salicylate could activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy sensor that maintains the balance between ATP production and consumption. The anti-inflammatory action of AMPK has been reported to be mediated by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. However, the exact signals responsible for salicylate-mediated inflammation through AMPK are not well-understood. In the current study, we examined the potential effects of NaSal on inflammation-like responses of THP-1 monocytes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. THP-1 cells were stimulated with or without 10 ug/mL LPS for 24 h in the presence or absence of 5 mM NaSal. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry using Annexin V/PI staining and by Western blotting for the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein. Cell proliferation was detected by EdU incorporation and by Western blot analysis for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed that the activation of AMPK by NaSal was accompanied by induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, and increasing secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β. These effects were reversed by Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK. In addition, NaSal/AMPK activation inhibited LPS-induced STAT3 phosphorylation, which was reversed by Compound C treatment. We conclude that AMPK activation is important for NaSal-mediated inflammation by inducing apoptosis, reducing cell proliferation, inhibiting STAT3 activity, and producing TNF-α and IL-1β.

Changes of Foxo3a in PBMCs and its associations with stress hyperglycemia in acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis patients

Objective

The levels of Foxo3a in the peripheral blood mononuclears cells (PBMCs) before and after treatment were detected in acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC) patients to evaluate the associations between Foxo3a and stress hyperglycemia (SHG).

Methods

PBMCs were obtained from AOSC patients (n=28) on admission (AP), from patients at 1 week after cure (RP) and from healthy volunteers (HV) (n=14) to evaluate the relationship between the protein levels of Foxo3a and the serum levels of glucose. Signaling pathways, which link inflammation and glycometabolism, simultaneously affecting the expression of Foxo3a, were detected. In addition, cytokines were detected in PBMCs and AOSC mouse models, which were pre-treated with Foxo3a agonist.

Results

The levels of glucose and p-Foxo3a in the AP were significantly higher than those in the RP and HV, where as the levels of Foxo3a in the AP were lower than those in the RP and HV. Foxo3a levels in the AP normalized against RP were strongly negatively correlated with the glucose levels in the AP normalized against RP. The levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) in the AP were higher than those in the RP and HV. In addition, inhibition of Foxo3a phosphorylation, coupled with the down-regulation of S1PR2, attenuated the LPS-induced inflammatory response in the PBMCs and AOSC mouse models.

Conclusions

Foxo3a is correlated with the dysregulation of glucose homeostasis in the pathogenesis of AOSC-induced sepsis by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/Akt-S1PR2 and NF-κB pathways, hinting at a switched role and therapeutic potentialities in the early stage of sepsis.

Bacterial infections and NSAIDs exposure? Seek septic complications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely consumed. Some authors suggested a relationship between more severe infections and NSAIDs exposure, especially skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). However, their impact during bacterial infections remains unclear. The aim of the study was to report the severity features of patients having bacterial infection who were exposed to NSAIDs prior to their hospitalisation. Cases of infected patients with these characteristics declared to the pharmacovigilance department of a French university hospital from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-one patients were included, mainly male (61%). Median age was 37years. No underlying disease was noted for 68% of cases. Ibuprofen was the most frequent drug (63%). Self-medication concerned 61% of cases. Respiratory tract, osteoarticular and SSTI were the most frequent infected sites. Patients suffered septic complications: dissemination of infection to more than one site (51%), suppuration (59%), and requirement for invasive procedures (32%). Eleven patients (27%) had severity criteria as usually defined (10 severe sepsis and 1 septic shock) and 30 did not. There was no significant difference regarding the rate of septic complications between the severe and non-severe group. Septic complications frequently occurred in patients with NSAIDs exposure, whether or not there was severe sepsis or shock. Further studies investigating the impact of NSAIDs in bacterial infections should consider the septic complications depicted here as clinically relevant endpoints. Moreover, clinicians should seek those complications in case of bacterial infections and NSAIDs use.

AspiriN To Inhibit SEPSIS (ANTISEPSIS) randomised controlled trial protocol

INTRODUCTION

Sepsis is a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, and is more common at the extremes of age. Moreover, the cost of in-hospital care for elderly patients with sepsis is significant. There are indications from experimental and observational studies that aspirin may reduce inflammation associated with infection. This paper describes the rationale and design of the AspiriN To Inhibit SEPSIS (ANTISEPSIS) trial, a substudy of ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE). ANTISEPSIS primarily aims to determine whether low-dose aspirin reduces sepsis-related deaths in older people. Additionally, it will assess whether low-dose aspirin reduces sepsis-related hospitalisations and sepsis-related Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

ASPREE is a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled primary prevention trial that will determine whether daily low-dose aspirin extends disability-free longevity in 19 000 healthy older people recruited in Australia and the USA. The ANTISEPSIS substudy involves additional ASPREE trial data collection to assess the impact of daily low-dose aspirin on sepsis-related events in the 16 703 ASPREE participants aged 70 years and over, recruited in Australia. The intervention is a daily 100 mg dose of enteric-coated aspirin versus matching placebo, with 1:1 randomisation. The primary outcome for the ANTISEPSIS substudy is the incidence of sepsis-related death in eligible patients. The incidence of sepsis-related hospital and ICU admissions are secondary outcomes. ANTISEPSIS is to be conducted between 2012 and 2018.

DISCUSSION

This substudy will determine whether aspirin, an inexpensive and accessible therapy, safely reduces sepsis-related deaths and hospitalisations in older Australians. If shown to be the case, this would have profound effects on the health of older Australians.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Pre-results, ACTRN12613000349741.

SCISSOR-Spinal Cord Injury Study on Small molecule-derived Rho inhibition: a clinical study protocol

INTRODUCTION

The approved analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and indometacin block the small GTPase RhoA, a key enzyme that impedes axonal sprouting after axonal damage. Inhibition of the Rho pathway in a central nervous system-effective manner requires higher dosages compared with orthodox cyclooxygenase-blocking effects. Preclinical studies on spinal cord injury (SCI) imply improved motor recovery after ibuprofen/indometacin-mediated Rho inhibition. This has been reassessed by a meta-analysis of the underlying experimental evidence, which indicates an overall effect size of 20.2% regarding motor outcome achieved after ibuprofen/indometacin treatment compared with vehicle controls. In addition, ibuprofen/indometacin may also limit sickness behaviour, non-neurogenic systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), neuropathic pain and heterotopic ossifications after SCI. Consequently, 'small molecule'-mediated Rho inhibition after acute SCI warrants clinical investigation.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Protocol of an investigator-initiated clinical open-label pilot trial on high-dose ibuprofen treatment after acute traumatic, motor-complete SCI. A sample of n=12 patients will be enrolled in two cohorts treated with 2400 mg/day ibuprofen for 4 or 12 weeks, respectively. The primary safety end point is an occurrence of serious adverse events, primarily gastroduodenal bleedings. Secondary end points are pharmacokinetics, feasibility and preliminary effects on neurological recovery, neuropathic pain and heterotopic ossifications. The primary safety analysis is based on the incidence of severe gastrointestinal bleedings. Additional analyses will be mainly descriptive and casuistic.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The clinical trial protocol was approved by the responsible German state Ethics Board, and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. The study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki, the principles of Good Clinical Practice and all further applicable regulations. This safety and pharmacokinetics trial informs the planning of a subsequent randomised controlled trial. Regardless of the result of the primary and secondary outcome assessments, the clinical trial will be reported as a publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02096913; Pre-results.

A novel imidazopyridine derivative, X22, attenuates sepsis-induced lung and liver injury by inhibiting the inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo

Sepsis remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite years of extensive research, effective drugs to treat sepsis in the clinic are lacking. In this study, we found a novel imidazopyridine derivative, X22, which has powerful anti-inflammatory activity. X22 dose-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory cytokine production in mouse primary peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 macrophages. X22 also downregulated the LPS-induced proinflammatory gene expression in vitro. In vivo, X22 exhibited a significant protection against LPS-induced death. Pretreatment or treatment with X22 attenuated the sepsis-induced lung and liver injury by inhibiting the inflammatory response. In addition, X22 showed protection against LPS-induced acute lung injury. We additionally found that pretreatment with X22 reduced the inflammatory pain in the acetic acid and formalin models and reduced the dimethylbenzene-induced ear swelling and acetic acid-increased vascular permeability. Together, these data confirmed that X22 has multiple anti-inflammatory effects and may be a potential therapeutic option in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Editorial on low-dose acetylsalicylic acid treatment and impact on short-term mortality in Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection: a propensity score-matched cohort study

The manuscript "Low-Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid Treatment and Impact on Short-Term Mortality in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) Bloodstream Infection: A propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study" published in Critical Care Medicine by Osthoff et al. reported an association of aspirin intake with a reduced short-term mortality. Direct anti-microbial effects of aspirin and its metabolite salicylate were suggested in preclinical studies. Especially intriguing is the inclusion of a control group with Escherichia coli (E. coli) blood stream infections in this study, in which aspirin was not associated with an improved outcome. However, as other observational studies also reported benefits of aspirin in critically ill patients, randomized trials are needed to confirm the effects of low-dose aspirin.

Design, Synthesis, and Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Novel Indole-2-carboxamide Derivatives as Anti-inflammatory Agents for the Treatment of Sepsis

Sepsis is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Derivatives of indole have been reported to exhibit diverse biological activities. This study reports on the design and synthesis of a new series of indole-2-carboxamide derivatives, which are screened for their anti-inflammatory activities in RAW 264.7 macrophages. A majority of these derivatives effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Preliminary structure-activity relationship analysis was also conducted. The results indicate that the most promising compounds in the prepared series were 14f and 14g. They were found to effectively reduce LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation and overexpression of a series of inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, in vivo administration of 14f and 14g resulted in remarkable lung histopathological improvements in mice without toxicity in organs. Taken together, these data indicate that the newly discovered indole-2-carboxamide derivatives could be particularly useful for further treatment in inflammatory diseases.

Omega-9 Oleic Acid Induces Fatty Acid Oxidation and Decreases Organ Dysfunction and Mortality in Experimental Sepsis

Sepsis is characterized by inflammatory and metabolic alterations, which lead to massive cytokine production, oxidative stress and organ dysfunction. In severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome, plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are increased. Several NEFA are deleterious to cells, activate Toll-like receptors and inhibit Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, causing lung injury. A Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil is beneficial. The main component of olive oil is omega-9 oleic acid (OA), a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). We analyzed the effect of OA supplementation on sepsis. OA ameliorated clinical symptoms, increased the survival rate, prevented liver and kidney injury and decreased NEFA plasma levels in mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). OA did not alter food intake and weight gain but diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NEFA plasma levels. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase IA (CPT1A) mRNA levels were increased, while uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) liver expression was enhanced in mice treated with OA. OA also inhibited the decrease in 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression and increased the enzyme expression in the liver of OA-treated mice compared to septic animals. We showed that OA pretreatment decreased NEFA concentration and increased CPT1A and UCP2 and AMPK levels, decreasing ROS production. We suggest that OA has a beneficial role in sepsis by decreasing metabolic dysfunction, supporting the benefits of diets high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA).

Prostaglandin E₂ constrains systemic inflammation through an innate lymphoid cell-IL-22 axis

Systemic inflammation, which results from the massive release of proinflammatory molecules into the circulatory system, is a major risk factor for severe illness, but the precise mechanisms underlying its control are not fully understood. We observed that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), through its receptor EP4, is down-regulated in human systemic inflammatory disease. Mice with reduced PGE2 synthesis develop systemic inflammation, associated with translocation of gut bacteria, which can be prevented by treatment with EP4 agonists. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that PGE2-EP4 signaling acts directly on type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), promoting their homeostasis and driving them to produce interleukin-22 (IL-22). Disruption of the ILC-IL-22 axis impairs PGE2-mediated inhibition of systemic inflammation. Hence, the ILC-IL-22 axis is essential in protecting against gut barrier dysfunction, enabling PGE2-EP4 signaling to impede systemic inflammation.

Aspirin as a potential treatment in sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome

Sepsis is a common condition that is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and health-care cost. Pulmonary and non-pulmonary sepsis are common causes of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The mortality from ARDS remains high despite protective lung ventilation, and currently there are no specific pharmacotherapies to treat sepsis or ARDS. Sepsis and ARDS are characterised by activation of the inflammatory cascade. Although there is much focus on the study of the dysregulated inflammation and its suppression, the associated activation of the haemostatic system has been largely ignored until recently. There has been extensive interest in the role that platelet activation can have in the inflammatory response through induction, aggregation and activation of leucocytes and other platelets. Aspirin can modulate multiple pathogenic mechanisms implicated in the development of multiple organ dysfunction in sepsis and ARDS. This review will discuss the role of the platelet, the mechanisms of action of aspirin in sepsis and ARDS, and aspirin as a potential therapy in treating sepsis and ARDS.

Acanthopanax trifoliatus inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo

Acanthopanax trifoliatus is a well-known herb that is used for the treatment of bruising, neuralgia, impotence, and gout in Taiwan. This herb exhibits multifunctional activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammation, and antioxidant effects. This paper investigated the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of A. trifoliatus. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis established the fingerprint chromatogram of the ethyl acetate fraction of A. trifoliatus (EAAT). The anti-inflammatory effect of EAAT was detected using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 in vitro and LPS-induced lung injury in vivo. The effects of EAAT on LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators in RAW264.7 murine macrophages and the mouse model were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. EAAT attenuated the production of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with EAAT markedly reduced LPS-induced histological alterations in lung tissues. Furthermore, EAAT significantly reduced the number of total cells and protein concentration levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Western blotting test results revealed that EAAT blocked protein expression of inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, phosphorylation of Nuclear factor-kappa-B Inhibitor alpha (IκB-α) protein, and mitogen-activated protein kinases in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells as well as LPS-induced lung injury. This study suggests that A. trifoliatus may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious yet potentially reversible complication of sepsis. Several molecular mechanisms involved in the development of septic AKI have been identified. These mechanisms may be important targets in the development of future therapies. This review highlights the role of the innate immune response to sepsis and its downstream effects on kidney structure and function with special reference to the adaptive cellular response and glomerular hemodynamic changes. In addition, current evidence surrounding the management of patients with septic AKI is summarized. Finally, potential novel therapies for septic AKI are presented.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel indole-2-one and 7-aza-2-oxindole derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents

Sepsis, a typically acute inflammatory disease, is the biggest cause of death in ICU (intensive care unit). Novel anti-inflammatory alternatives are still in urgent need. In this study, we designed and synthesized 30 indole-2-one and 7-aza-2-oxindole derivatives based on the skeleton of tenidap, and their anti-inflammatory activity was determined by evaluating the inhibitory potency against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 release in RAW264.7 macrophages. Quantitative SAR (structure-activity relationship) analysis revealed that a high molecular polarizability and low lipid/water partition coefficient (ALogP) in indole-2-one are beneficial for anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, compounds 7i and 8e inhibited the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, PGES, and iNOS in LPS-stimulated macrophages, and 7i exhibited a significant protection from LPS-induced septic death in mouse models. These data present a series of new indole-2-one compounds with potential therapeutic effects in acute inflammatory diseases.

Substrate-selective COX-2 inhibition as a novel strategy for therapeutic endocannabinoid augmentation

Pharmacologic augmentation of endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) signaling is an emerging therapeutic approach for the treatment of a broad range of pathophysiological conditions. Thus far, pharmacological approaches have focused on inhibition of the canonical eCB inactivation pathways - fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) for anandamide and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) for 2-arachidonoylglycerol. We review here the experimental evidence that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated eCB oxygenation represents a third mechanism for terminating eCB action at cannabinoid receptors. We describe the development, molecular mechanisms, and in vivo validation of 'substrate-selective' COX-2 inhibitors (SSCIs) that prevent eCB inactivation by COX-2 without affecting prostaglandin (PG) generation from arachidonic acid (AA). Lastly, we review recent data on the potential therapeutic applications of SSCIs with a focus on neuropsychiatric disorders.

Proresolving lipid mediators and mechanisms in the resolution of acute inflammation

Inflammatory responses, like all biological cascades, are shaped by a delicate balance between positive and negative feedback loops. It is now clear that in addition to positive and negative checkpoints, the inflammatory cascade rather unexpectedly boasts an additional checkpoint, a family of chemicals that actively promote resolution and tissue repair without compromising host defense. Indeed, the resolution phase of inflammation is just as actively orchestrated and carefully choreographed as its induction and inhibition. In this review, we explore the immunological consequences of omega-3-derived specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) and discuss their place within what is currently understood of the role of the arachidonic acid-derived prostaglandins, lipoxins, and their natural C15-epimers. We propose that treatment of inflammation should not be restricted to the use of inhibitors of the acute cascade (antagonism) but broadened to take account of the enormous therapeutic potential of inducers (agonists) of the resolution phase of inflammation.

Lipid mediators in immune dysfunction after severe inflammation

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Aberrant LM levels contribute to immune dysfunction in CI.

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Aberrance reflects dysregulation of inflammatory resolution pathways or their failure.

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Targeted manipulation of LMs restores immune competence and outcomes in animal models.

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Stratified resolution-based immunomodulatory strategies hold therapeutic potential.

Sepsis, trauma, burns, and major surgical procedures activate common systemic inflammatory pathways. Nosocomial infection, organ failure, and mortality in this patient population are associated with a quantitatively different reprioritization of the circulating leukocyte transcriptome to the initial inflammatory insult, greater in both magnitude and duration, and secondary to multiple observed defects in innate and adaptive immune function. Dysregulation of inflammatory resolution processes and associated bioactive lipid mediators (LMs) mechanistically contribute to this phenotype. Recent data indicate the potential efficacy of therapeutic interventions that either reduce immunosuppressive prostaglandins (PGs) or increase specialized proresolving LMs. Here, we reassess the potential for pharmacological manipulation of these LMs as therapeutic approaches for the treatment of critical illness (CI).

Predictors of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Patients with Septic Shock

Purpose. The goal of this study was to identify potential clinical predictors for the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in patients with septic shock. Material and Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of a cohort of adult (>18 years of age) patients with septic shock admitted to a medical ICU in a tertiary care hospital from July 2005 until September 2007. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the association of risk factors with overt DIC. Results. In this study, a total of 390 patients with septic shock were analyzed, of whom 66 (17%) developed overt DIC. Hospital mortality was significantly greater in patients who developed overt DIC (68% versus 38%, P<0.001). A delay in the timing of antibiotics was associated with an increased risk of the development of overt DIC (P<0.001). Patients on antiplatelet therapy prior to hospital admission and who that received adequate early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) were associated with a decreased risk of overt DIC (P<0.001). Conclusions. In our cohort of patients with septic shock, there was a risk reduction for overt DIC in patients on antiplatelet therapy and adequate EGDT, while there was an increased risk of DIC with antibiotic delay.

Metabonomics reveals drastic changes in anti-inflammatory/pro-resolving polyunsaturated fatty acids-derived lipid mediators in leprosy disease

Despite considerable efforts over the last decades, our understanding of leprosy pathogenesis remains limited. The complex interplay between pathogens and hosts has profound effects on host metabolism. To explore the metabolic perturbations associated with leprosy, we analyzed the serum metabolome of leprosy patients. Samples collected from lepromatous and tuberculoid patients before and immediately after the conclusion of multidrug therapy (MDT) were subjected to high-throughput metabolic profiling. Our results show marked metabolic alterations during leprosy that subside at the conclusion of MDT. Pathways showing the highest modulation were related to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving omega-3 fatty acids. These results were confirmed by eicosanoid measurements through enzyme-linked immunoassays. Corroborating the repertoire of metabolites altered in sera, metabonomic analysis of skin specimens revealed alterations in the levels of lipids derived from lipase activity, including PUFAs, suggesting a high lipid turnover in highly-infected lesions. Our data suggest that omega-6 and omega-3, PUFA-derived, pro-resolving lipid mediators contribute to reduced tissue damage irrespectively of pathogen burden during leprosy disease. Our results demonstrate the utility of a comprehensive metabonomic approach for identifying potential contributors to disease pathology that may facilitate the development of more targeted treatments for leprosy and other inflammatory diseases.

Leprosy is caused by a mycobacterium that has a predilection for the skin and nerve cells, and the disease is treated with a combination of antibiotics (multidrug therapy, MDT). Nerve damage caused by the infection may lead to permanent disabilities, and can happen even during MDT and subsequent to patient release. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the interaction between the leprosy bacillus and humans is mandatory in order to develop new tools for better disease control and management. Aiming to understand more about the effects of leprosy on human metabolism, we analyzed the chemical composition of sera from leprosy patients before and after MDT. Our results show that specific classes of molecules are affected by the infection, and that MDT can partially reverse these effects. In particular, lipids related to polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and known to play a role in the host's defense mechanisms were highly affected during the disease. A complete understanding of all the steps in this process may open new avenues for leprosy treatment with consequent prevention of neuropathy.

Benefit of low-dose aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in septic patients

Analyzing medical records of 979 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock provided some evidence that the use of low-dose aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with decreased hospital mortality. However, the benefit was abolished when aspirin and NSAIDs were given together.

Effects of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid and atherosclerotic vascular diseases on the outcome in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock

Sepsis and its sequelae of multiple organ failure is one of the leading causes of death in the industrial countries. Several studies have shown that patients who are treated with low-dose acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) for secondary prevention of atherothrombosis may have a lower risk to develop organ failure in the case of critical illness. The benefit of ASA is probably due to an inhibition of platelet activation as well as an increase in the formation of anti-inflammatory lipoxin A4. On the other hand, the effect of ASA could be - at least partially - an indirect one, caused by atherosclerotic vascular diseases as the cause of ASA treatment. Atherosclerosis is considered as a moderate systemic inflammation and we hypothesise that this chronic condition could have an impact on the outcome in sepsis. To get more information on the benefit of ASA in critically ill patients and on possible interference with atherosclerotic vascular diseases, we analysed the medical records of 886 septic patients who were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital. Logistic regression analysis indicated that patients who were treated during the ICU stay with ASA (100 mg/d) had a significantly lower mortality. Odds ratios (ORs; with 95% confidential intervals) of 0.56 (0.37-0.84) and 0.57 (0.39-0.83) were calculated for ICU and hospital mortality, respectively. In contrast, statin treatment did not have significant effect on mortality. Diagnosis of atherosclerotic vascular diseases according to ICD classification did not influence ICU mortality but lowered hospital mortality (OR = 0.71 (0.52-0.99)). Subgroup analysis provided preliminary evidence that clopidogrel when given as only anti-platelet drug may have a similar benefit as ASA, but the combination of ASA and clopidogrel failed to improve the outcome. The time course of plasma fibrinogen and procalcitonin levels indicate that ASA seems to reduce the activation of haemostasis and increase the resolution of inflammation. It is concluded that prospective interventional studies should be done to test the use of ASA as novel therapeutic approach in critically ill patients.