The human membrane-bound enzyme CD39 may be able to improve the survival of sepsis, according to a study published in The Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
When tested on two groups of mice with sepsis — one group with CD39 and the other group missing the enzyme — the CD39 was able to clear the dangerous buildup of adenosine triphosphate from the bloodstream, significantly improving the survival rate of the septic mice with the enzyme.
Additionally, the CD39 enzyme decreased inflammation, organ damage, immune cell apoptosis and bacterial load in the mice, indicating its potential use in other diseases associated with inflammation, including trauma, hemorrhagic shock and burns.
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