SHORT-TERM INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKER PROFILES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DEFICIENT MITOCHONDRIAL BIOENERGETICS IN LYMPHOCYTES OF SEPTIC SHOCK PATIENTS-A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Introduction: A biomarker strategy based on the quantification of an immune profile could provide a clinical understanding of the inflammatory state in patients with sepsis and its potential implications for the bioenergetic state of lymphocytes, whose metabolism is associated with altered outcomes in sepsis. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between mitochondrial respiratory states and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with septic shock. Methods: This prospective cohort study included patients with septic shock. Routine, complex I, complex II respiration, and biochemical coupling efficiency were measured to evaluate mitochondrial activity. We measured IL-1ss, IL-6, IL-10, total lymphocyte count, and C-reactive protein levels on days 1 and 3 of septic shock management as well as mitochondrial variables. The variability of these measurements was evaluated using delta counts (days 3-1 counts). Results: Sixty-four patients were included in this analysis. There was a negative correlation between complex II respiration and IL-1ss (Spearman rho, -0.275; P = 0.028). Biochemical coupling efficiency at day 1 was negative correlated with IL-6: Spearman rho, -0.247; P = 0.05. Delta complex II respiration was negatively correlated with delta IL-6 (Spearman rho, -0.261; P = 0.042). Delta complex I respiration was negatively correlated with delta IL-6 (Spearman rho, -0.346; P = 0.006), and delta routine respiration was also negatively correlated with both delta IL-10 (Spearman rho, -0.257; P = 0.046) and delta IL-6 (Spearman rho, -0.32; P = 0.012). Conclusions: The metabolic change observed in mitochondrial complex I and complex II of lymphocytes is associated with a decrease in IL-6 levels, which can signal a decrease in global inflammatory activity.