Vitamin C and Sepsis
Sepsis is a leading cause of death in critical care units worldwide. This study, led by John X. Wilson, PhD, will explore whether something as simple as vitamin C can help reduce mortality from sepsis.
Principal Investigator: John X. Wilson, PhD
Funding Agency: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Period: 01/2008-12/2013
Abstract: Sepsis is a serious problem in surgical and trauma patients and the leading cause of death in critically ill patients. Many septic patients die of organ failure caused by microvascular dysfunction. Our long-term goal is to elucidate the mechanisms by which microvascular dysfunction occurs in sepsis and can be prevented. We propose to evaluate a new theory wherein ascorbate acts on several therapeutic targets to modulate the gene expression that is the key to microvascular dysfunction. This research will define the protective role of vitamin C during sepsis and provide the basis for its use as an adjunct therapy in septic patients.
