Could stem cells be the future therapy for sepsis?
The severity and threat of sepsis is well known, and despite several decades of research, the mortality continues to be high. Stem cells have great potential to be used in various clinical disorders. The innate ability of stem cells such as pluripotency, self-renewal makes them potential agents for therapeutic intervention. The pathophysiology of sepsis is a plethora of complex mechanisms which include the initial microbial infection, followed by "cytokine storm," endothelial dysfunction, coagulation cascade, and the late phase of apoptosis and immune paralysis which ultimately results in multiple organ dysfunction. Stem cells could potentially alter each step of this complex pathophysiology of sepsis. Multiple organ dysfunction associated with sepsis most often leads to death and stem cells have shown their ability to prevent the organ damage and improve the organ function. The possible mechanisms of therapeutic potential of stem cells in sepsis have been discussed in detail. The route of administration, dose level, and timing also play vital role in the overall effect of stem cells in sepsis.
Department of Neonatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry 605006, India. Electronic address: manojkings.jipmer@gmail.com.
S Manoj Kumar
SM
Kingsley
Department of Neonatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry 605006, India. Electronic address: drvishnubhat@yahoo.com.
B Vishnu
BV
Bhat
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003167:Complement Activation / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D004727:Endothelium / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D056747:Immunomodulation; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators
Multiple organ dysfunction; Pathophysiology; Pluripotency; Sepsis; Stem cells; Therapeutic intervention