New markers in the etiopathogenesis of bacterial sepsis: Intracellular
glutathione and extracellular thiol/disulfide homeostasis
Abstract
Introduction: The aim was to analyze intracellular oxidised glutathione
(GSSG)/reduced glutathione (GSH) and serum thiol/disulfide homeostasis
tests in bacterial sepsis (BS) to evaluate the contribution of oxidative
stress to etiopathogenesis. Methods: A total of 92 individuals,
including 49 patients and 43 healthy volunteers, were included in the
present study. The cases who had high probability of BS criteria defined
by Singer et al. and positive blood culture were included in the study.
The intracellular oxidised and reduced glutathione and thiol/disulfide
homeostasis [total thiol-native thiol-disulfide changes] tests were
used in the serum samples of 49 patients. Statistical analysis was
performed by comparing the results with the control group. Results: When
BS and control group were compared, GSH, total glutathione (GSH+GSSG),
native thiol and total thiol levels were significantly lower in BS group
compared to control group (p<.001). No significant differences
were detected between the two groups in terms of GSSG levels. CRP, PCT,
WBC and RDW levels were significantly higher in BS group than in control
group (p<.001). Conclusions: Total thiol and native thiol
levels in serum and intracellular glutathione levels decreased in BS.
Disrupted intracellular GSH/GSSG and serum thiol/disulfide homeostasis
might have effects on BS pathogenesis by increasing oxidative stress.