Scientists discover inhibitor to treat Sepsis: Study

Scientists have now discovered a new inhibitor that helps in treating the life-threatening disease- sepsis.

The research was published in Science Journal.

Sepsis occurs when certain chemicals released in the bloodstream to fight an infection trigger inflammation throughout the body. This can cause death in certain cases.

Scientists from the University of Sheffield, who have discovered the OGG1 inhibitor, said that it could decrease lung inflammation, and also hold the key to treating life-threatening Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

The study revealed that the inhibitor OGG1's protein signals inflammation and the newly created inhibitor could prevent the onset of inflammation.

The new mechanism which is different to other anti-inflammatory drugs can also help in preventing the human immune system from attacking itself in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and potentially other autoimmune disorders, apart from sepsis.

During inflammation, the white blood cells protect against infection from bacteria and viruses. However, in some conditions, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response when there is no infection to fight off. This causes the body's normally protective immune system to cause damage to its own tissues.

"When oxygen regulation in our cells goes wrong it can cause damage to our DNA and trigger our immune system to responding," said lead researcher Thomas Helleday.

"Our immune system is our defence mechanism which normally fights off an invasion from bacteria and viruses, however sometimes it can misfire and attack our own bodies. Isolating an inhibitor which can switch this response off is a major breakthrough and we are really excited about developing our research to see if we can not only decrease existing inflammation in other areas of the body but prevent inflammation altogether," Helleday added.