Soluble ST2 levels are associated with bleeding in patients with severe Leptospirosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Severe leptospirosis features bleeding and multi-organ failure, leading to shock and death. Currently it is assumed that both exaggerated inflammation and immune suppression contribute to mortality in sepsis. Indeed, several proinflammatory cytokines are reported to be induced during leptospirosis. Toll-like receptors, which play an important role in the initiation of an innate immune response, are inhibited by negative regulators including the membrane-bound ST2 (mST2) receptor. Soluble ST2 (sST2) has been implicated to inhibit signaling through mST2. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of sST2 and (pro-) inflammatory cytokine release in patients with severe leptospirosis.

Methodology and principal findings

In an observational study, 68 consecutive

SUBMITTER: Wagenaar JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2684584 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature