Understanding how trauma and blood loss increase the risk of sepsis
Official title: Mechanism of Trauma/Hemorrhagic Shock-Predisposed Sepsis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11099937 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific substance in the body, called 12(S)-HETE, might help us understand why people who have had severe injuries and blood loss are more likely to get serious infections like sepsis, so we can find better ways to protect those patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185275-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099937 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced severe trauma or hemorrhagic shock and are at risk of developing sepsis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced severe trauma or hemorrhagic shock may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which severe trauma and hemorrhagic shock can lead to an increased risk of sepsis, a life-threatening infection. The study focuses on a specific metabolite, 12(S)-HETE, and its role in regulating inflammation and immune response in patients who have experienced trauma. By examining how this metabolite affects the expression of the ALOX15 enzyme, the research aims to identify potential targets for preventing sepsis in at-risk patients. The approach includes analyzing blood samples from trauma patients to understand the relationship between 12(S)-HETE levels and infection susceptibility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing sepsis in patients who have suffered severe trauma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding the role of specific metabolites in trauma patients can provide valuable insights, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Jie — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Fan, Jie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.