Way to stop lung damage due to sepsis, injury found

Washington, Aug. 24: Researchers have discovered a way to stop harmful inflammation in the lungs due to sepsis and injury.

They found a molecule present during inflammation that binds to white blood cells allowing them to pass from the bloodstream into the tissue and cause severe damage.

"This work demonstrates the power of collaboration in solving complex health issues to benefit patients. The research involved teams from 10 laboratories, nine at UCalgary with investigators from the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute and the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases," said Robbins, a professor in the department of Oncology, and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Cancer Research.

Sepsis occurs when the body is fighting off a severe infection. The immune system goes into overdrive sending white blood cells to clear up the infection. The battle between your immune system and the infection leads to inflammation.

In some cases instead of cleaning up, they stay, and more white blood cells come in behind them. The accumulation causes damage to internal organs, like the lungs, and can lead to death, reported the study published in the journal Cell. Sepsis is not the only condition that leads to an unhealthy collection of white blood cells. Inflammation caused by injury can also create this response.