Augmented cytokine responses in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient septic mice

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common genetic polymorphism. The deficiency protects against malaria but worsened the clinical course to severe trauma. This study tested whether G6PD deficiency alters the inflammatory responses to sepsis (CLP) using a G6PD deficient mouse model with a degree of defect similar to the African type human deficiency (10% residual activity). Blood IL-6 and IL-10 levels were 2-3 fold greater in septic G6PD deficient than WT mice. IL-6 mRNA expression in spleen and IL-6 and HO-1 expression in liver were markedly increased in septic G6PD deficient compared to WT animals. This study indicates that a mild degree of G6PD deficiency results in augmented inflammatory response to a septic challenge as manifested in increased blood cytokine content and hepatic IL-6 and HO-1 expressions.