HDL-S1P protects endothelial function and reduces lung injury during sepsis in vivo and in vitro

Objective:In sepsis, the protection of the vascular endothelium is essential and the maintenance of its function is critical to prevent further deterioration. High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid in plasma and its role in sepsis has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HDL-S1P on sepsis in cellular and animal models, as well as human plasma samples.

Measurements:We established an animal model of sepsis with different severities achieved by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, and then explored the relationship between HDL-S1P and lung endothelial dysfunction in vivo. To determine the effects of HDL-S1P in the pulmonary endothelium of septic rats, we then injected HDL-S1P into septic rats to find out if it can reduce the lung injury caused by sepsis. Further, we explored the mechanism in vitro by studying the role of S1P-specific receptor agonists and inhibitors in LPS-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We also explored the relationship between plasma HDL-S1P content and sepsis severity in septic patients by analysing their plasma samples.

Results:HDL-S1P concentrations in plasma were negatively correlated with endothelial functional damage in sepsis, both in the animal model and in the septic patients in our study. In vivo, HDL-S1P injection significantly reduced pulmonary oedema and endothelial leakage in septic rats. In vitro, cell experiments showed that HDL-S1P effectively protected the proliferation and migration abilities of endothelial cells, which could be partly explained by its biased activation of the S1P receptor 1.

Conclusion:Our study preliminary explored the function of HDL-S1P in sepsis in cellular and animal models, as well as human subjects. The results indicate HDL-S1P protected endothelial functions in septic patients. Thus, it has therapeutic potential and can be used for the clinical treatment of sepsis.

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