Biological attributes of zinc-dependent endopeptidases in endothelial dysfunction associated with sepsis: a narrative review.

Abstract

Understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis allows the development of new therapeutic approaches, beyond supportive care and antimicrobial therapy, to help reduce the high mortality rates in intensive care units. In this context, a large number of experimental and clinical studies in the last 20 years support the key role of the endothelium in sepsis in relation to organ failure. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of zinc-dependent endopeptidases and their endogenous inhibitors in endothelial dysfunction associated with sepsis as well as in other pathologies. Finally, we discuss that inhibitors of this family of proteases could represent a promising therapeutic approach against sepsis.