The Potential Role of Hemopexin and Heme Oxygenase-1 Inducer in a Model of Sepsis

Background and Aims. Sepsis can evoke disseminated intravascular coagulation, resulting in multiple organ failure and death. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and hemopexin (HPx) can mediate cytoprotective mechanisms against these deleterious effects. This study aims to determine a role for HO-1 and HPx in coagulopathy induced by septic inflammation and define whether they can enhance the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Materials and Methods. 48 healthy male albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups: control group: animals subjected to laparotomy and bowel manipulation; CLP group: severe sepsis induced by cecal ligation puncture (CLP); CLP + hemin group: animals received single intraperitoneal injection of hemin (50 µmol/kg) 12 h before sepsis induction; CLP + HPx group: animals received single HPx dose (150 µg/rat, i.v.) 30 min before sepsis induction. Survival rates were calculated. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and activated protein C (APC), liver HO-1, serum, and liver IL-10 levels were measured, 48 hrs after sepsis induction. Liver and lung were excised for histopathological examination. Results. Hemin and HPx administration upregulated liver HO-1 and IL-10. They prolonged PT, PTT and increased APC. They reduced the inflammatory infiltrate and thrombosis in liver and lung parenchyma. However, hemin was superior in controlling coagulopathy and HO-1 production, while HPx was more potent stimulant of IL-10 expression. Conclusions. Hemin and HPx have a potential beneficial effect in severe sepsis regarding coagulopathy and inflammation