SEP-2: NO METABOLISM ASSOCIATES WITH THE REGULATION OF HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS

INTRODUCTION:Nitric oxide was suggested to regulate p53-dependent expression of heat shock proteins and changes in cellular metabolism. METHODS:Here we examined the longitudinal changes of NO metabolites, NO2 and NO3, ATP, a marker of mitochondrial function, and the expression of heat shock proteins (HSP)-72 and -90α in patients, adults and children, with severe sepsis (SS) or trauma- related systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) compared to healthy- controls (H). Blood samples were obtained on days 1, 3 and 5. Energy expenditure (EE) of patients was measured with the Gas Module E-COVX. HSPs expressions in white blood cells were determined using flow cytometry. ATP concentrations and NO2 and NO3 levels were measured by luciferase luminescent assay and Sievers Nitric Oxide Analyzer, respectively. RESULTS:The nitrite/nitrate ratio increased longitudinally in critical illness (p