S-adenosylmethionine immunomodulator treatment in sepsis.
BACKGROUND
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a forerunner of glutathione.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study is to ascertain this drug effect on T-lymphocytes and cytokines in an experimental model of surgical sepsis.


METHODS
Rats were allotted in two groups. In the control group, rats underwent anaesthesia and laparatomy with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). In the second group, rats underwent the same CLP and received SAMe (14 mg/kg) i.m., on the 1st (1PO) and 2nd (2PO) postoperative days. A week before surgery (PRE), on the 1PO and on the 3PO: IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF levels (ELISA & MoAb), and CD3, CD4, CD8 cell and IL-2R percentages (%) (flow cytometry & MoAb) were determined in peripheral blood.


RESULTS
Rats receiving SAMe do not show changes of CD3%, CD4% and IL-1 levels but show a significant increase of CD8% on the 3PO, showing a significant difference with regard to controls (p < 0.01). Both groups show a similar IL-2R variation pattern: increasing on 1PO (p < 0.05) and decreasing on 3PO (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In sepsis: SAMe inhibits the decrease of circulating immune-active cells and the IL-1 increase. This drug seems to have effects useful in avoiding immunological alterations in sepsis, that need to be tested in humans.
García-Alvarez
F
F
Department of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, Immunological Division, Lozano Blesa Hospital, University of Zaragoza, Spain. fegarcia@comz.org
Navarro-Zorraquino
M
M
Larrad
L
L
Salinas
J C
JC
Sousa
R
R
Pastor
C
C
Lozano
R
R
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D007378:Interleukins / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011920:Rats, Inbred WF; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D015703:Antigens, CD; D016207:Cytokines; D007378:Interleukins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine