Significance of Serum Neuron-Specific Enolase in Patients With Sepsis and Its Association With Inflammatory Biomarkers

Abstract

Introduction

Although survival rates in sepsis cases have improved, functional outcomes remain poor in many cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance and interrelationship of serum neurological and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with sepsis.

Methods

Patients with sepsis who had good activities of daily living before admission were included. The following biomarkers were examined at 0, 1, and 3 days after admission: neuron-specific enolase (NSE); S100β; high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1); interleukins 1, 6, and 8 (IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8); interferon-gamma (IFN-γ); and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Functional outcomes were defined using the modified Rankin Scale, with scores of 1 and 2 categorized as favorable outcomes.

Results

Among the 53 patients, 5 (9%) were non-survivors, and 8 (15%) were survivors with favorable outcomes. Biomarker analysis revealed significantly elevated levels of NSE, HMGB1, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ in non-survivors; however, no difference was observed in functional prognosis. On day 3, a significant association was observed between NSE and HMGB1, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ.

Conclusions

Elevated NSE levels were observed in non-surviving patients with sepsis, and NSE levels on day 3 were significantly correlated with the other inflammation-related biomarkers. These findings suggest that the progression of brain damage due to sepsis may be associated with inflammation, highlighting a potential target for future therapeutic strategies.