Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China

Abstract

Sepsis has remained a high mortality rate worldwide. Endothelial cell dysfunction is closely associated with the development of sepsis. Hydrocortisone has potent immunological and antitoxic effects, and thus it is frequently used in the treatment of septic shock. However, it can also cause respiratory damage and death by anaphylaxis. In recent years, the combination of hydrocortisone and other drugs such as vitamin C and thiamine has achieved promising outcomes in refractory septic shock. The present review focuses on the therapeutic effects of hydrocortisone in sepsis and summarizes the mechanisms by which hydrocortisone acted on the vascular endothelial cells. We highlighted the effect of hydrocortisone on anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, improvement of vascular functions, and anti-oxidative stress. We also pointed out that the mechanisms by which the combination therapy with other drugs enhances the effects of hydrocortisone are still unclear and need to be clarified to determine the benefit of the treatment of sepsis.

Graphical Abstract

Research progress on therapeutic effect and mechanism of hydrocortisone on sepsis

Keywords

Main Subjects

Selected author of this article by journal

Associate Prof. Ye Zeng
Sichuan University
LOOP
ORCID

Open Access

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