Combination of vitamin B1 and glucose halts fatal sepsis reaction in mice
Scientists in Ghent have discovered a promising treatment for sepsis, also known as blood poisoning. The results of a new study in mice show that a combination of vitamin B1 and glucose can largely inhibit the deadly effects of sepsis. Almost all the mice survived the infection, thanks to a restored energy metabolism. The research was published in the journal Cell Reports.
The deadly nature of sepsis
Sepsis is a severe and often fatal response of the body to infection. Not only are pathogens attacked, but the body’s own tissues are also damaged. This can lead to failure of major organs such as the heart, kidneys and lungs. In addition, lactic acid (lactate) accumulates in the blood, rapidly worsening the condition. An estimated 11 million people worldwide die from sepsis every year. To date, there is still no targeted treatment for the condition.
The research group at the VIB-UGent Centre for Inflammation Research, led by Professor Claude Libert, has uncovered a remarkably simple mechanism. They demonstrated that sepsis patients suffer from an acute deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in their mitochondria, the “energy factories” of our cells. As a result, glucose is no longer converted into energy but into harmful lactic acid.
"One of the most powerful metabolic interventions we’ve ever seen"
“For the first time, we were able to demonstrate that the problem is not a lack of oxygen, but a biochemical defect due to a lack of vitamin B1,” explains lead researcher Louise Nuyttens. “The entire energy network shuts down, and lactic acid builds up rapidly.”
By administering vitamin B1 to mice with sepsis—first on its own, then combined with glucose—the researchers saw a dramatic improvement. The body was once again able to convert glucose into energy rather than lactic acid. “Almost all the mice survived. This is one of the most powerful metabolic interventions we’ve ever seen,” says Professor Libert.
Next steps toward clinical use
Although the research was initially conducted only on mice, it lays a strong foundation for further investigation. The researchers are now planning larger preclinical studies. They hope that this simple treatment with readily available resources can ultimately help save human lives as well.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO IMAGEBROKER
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