Does High-Density Lipoprotein Have a Role in Dysregulated Host Response in Sepsis?

Abstract

Objective: Serum lipoprotein levels [high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)], total cholesterol, and triglyceride) have protective functions against sepsis. Reduced levels are associated with organ dysfunction and mortality. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the relationship between the serum lipoprotein levels and sepsis in a large population of patients admitted in the intensive care unit. Methods: Serum lipoprotein levels of 151 patients diagnosed with sepsis and 450 without sepsis were analyzed retrospectively. The level of lipoprotein decreased in the sepsis and non-sepsis groups, and appropriate statistical methods were used. Results: Lipoprotein levels were significantly lower in the sepsis group (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between the survivor group and non-survivor group in terms of lipoprotein levels (p>0.05). Among patients with intra-abdominal sepsis and pneumosepsis, a significant difference was found in the levels of HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol between patients admitted in the medical and surgical intensive care units (p<0.05). HDL levels were lower in patients with gram-negative bacterial infection than those with gram-positive bacterial infection. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of the role of serum lipoproteins, particularly HDL, in the pathogenesis of sepsis, suggesting that lipoproteins may offer new avenue in the treatment of sepsis.