Blood clots absorb endotoxins, thereby protecting the body against systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), reports PLoS ONE.
Researchers from the University of California (USA) have found that clots formed on the surface of a wound or in blood vessels are not only a barrier that protects the body against the loss of vital body fluids and the entry of bacteria into the body, but are also actively involved in absorbing lipopolysaccharide toxins produced by by gram-negative bacteria.
“This is a significant item on the shortlist of defenses animals use to protect themselves from toxin-induced sepsis,” said Peter Armstrong, co-author of the study.
The researchers used a fluorescent marker that allowed them to observe how the clots become covered with endotoxin and how lipopolysaccharide complexes are attached to the surface of fibrin fibers. In addition, the process was successfully filmed in a mouse study.
Scientists have proved that the phenomenon of a similar course occurs in lobsters, horsetails, mice and in humans.
In this way, the hypothesis was confirmed that the frequent and life-threatening consequence of septic shock – disseminated intravascular coagulation – may in the initial stage and to a limited extent constitute a defense mechanism against sepsis, which aims to reduce the amount of endotoxins by clots inside the blood vessels. .
Sepsis and associated septic shock are considered a severe reaction to inflammation, usually caused by lipopolysaccharide toxins produced by Gram-negative bacteria. Mortality in the event of falling ill affects from 30 to 50 percent. patients. Scientists’ latest discovery could contribute to a better understanding of the disease and propose more effective treatments. (PAP)