Neutralization of extracellular histones by sodium-Β-O-methyl cellobioside sulfate in septic shock

Background Extracellular histones have been associated with severity and outcome in sepsis. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of sodium-β-O-Methyl cellobioside sulfate (mCBS), a histone-neutralizing polyanion, on the severity and outcome of sepsis in an experimental model. Methods This randomized placebo-controlled experimental study was performed in 24 mechanically ventilated female sheep. Sepsis was induced by fecal peritonitis. Animals were randomized to three groups: control, early treatment, and late treatment ( n = 8 each). mCBS was given as a bolus (1 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion (1 mg/kg/h) just after sepsis induction in the early treatment group, and 4 h later in the late treatment group. Fluid administration and antimicrobial therapy were initiated 4 h T4 after feces injection, peritoneal lavage performed, and a norepinephrine infusion titrated to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) between 65–75 mmHg. The experiment was blinded and lasted maximum 24 h. Results During the first 4 h, MAP remained > 65 mmHg in the early treatment group but decreased significantly in the others ( p < 0.01 for interaction, median value at T4: (79 [70–90] mmHg for early treatment, 57 [70–90] mmHg for late treatment, and 55 [49–60] mmHg for the control group). mCBS-treated animals required significantly less norepinephrine to maintain MAP than controls ( p < 0.01 for interaction) and had lower creatinine ( p < 0.01), lactate ( p < 0.01), and interleukin-6 ( p < 0.01) levels, associated with reduced changes in H3.1 nucleosome levels ( p = 0.02). Early treatment was associated with lower norepinephrine requirements than later treatment. Two control animals died; all the mCBS-treated animals survived. Conclusions Neutralization of extracellular histones with mCBS was associated with reduced norepinephrine requirements, improved tissue perfusion, less renal dysfunction, and lower circulating IL-6 in experimental septic shock and may represent a new therapeutic approach to be tested in clinical trials.