Hope for Sepsis Patients: Australian Study Reveals Potential of Natural Protein Therapy

A naturally occurring protein, corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), is showing promise as a potential new therapy for sepsis, a life-threatening condition responsible for over 20% of global deaths. Research led by Adelaide University and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network suggests restoring levels of this protein could significantly improve survival rates in patients with septic shock.

Understanding Sepsis and Septic Shock

Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, causing widespread inflammation that can lead to organ failure. If sepsis progresses to septic shock, blood pressure drops dangerously low, and multiple organs may fail, creating a medical emergency. Currently, treatment primarily focuses on early antibiotics and managing the infection, but there are limited options to reverse organ dysfunction once it occurs.¹

The Role of Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin (CBG)

CBG is a protein produced by the liver that transports the stress hormone cortisol through the bloodstream. Researchers have been investigating CBG for over a decade, discovering a strong link between CBG deficiency and the severity of critical illness. Specifically, low levels of CBG are associated with a threefold increase in the risk of death among intensive care patients with septic shock at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.¹

Landmark Study Results

A recent study published in Endocrinology demonstrated that restoring CBG levels in an animal model of septic shock reduced relative mortality by more than 70%.⁴ The therapy also provided significant protection against sepsis progression, including reductions in low blood pressure and organ damage.¹ Researchers believe CBG may trigger an anti-inflammatory response beyond its traditional role in hormone transport, potentially making it the first new natural anti-inflammatory therapy in over half a century.¹

Clinical Trials and Future Directions

The research team, led by Dr. Stewart Ramsay and Associate Professor Richard Young, is now preparing to start first-in-human clinical trials with CBG.¹ They are hopeful that this therapy could also benefit patients with severe burn injuries and other conditions where CBG levels are depleted.¹

Other Innovative Sepsis Treatments Under Investigation

Alongside the CBG research, the Royal Adelaide Hospital is also conducting clinical trials investigating the use of high-dose vitamin C (equivalent to 5000 oranges) as a potential treatment for sepsis.³ Early results from animal studies have been promising.

Key Takeaways

• Sepsis is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
• Restoring levels of the naturally occurring protein CBG significantly improved survival rates in a preclinical model of septic shock.
• CBG may offer a new anti-inflammatory approach to treating sepsis.
• Clinical trials are planned to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CBG therapy in humans.