High-density lipoproteins alleviate the endotoxin burden in patients with peritonitis and sepsis: The LIPS study.

Background: The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) have been demonstrated to enhance endotoxin elimination and inactivation in animal models of sepsis. This study aimed to confirm such a role in patients presenting with abdominal sepsis undergoing emergent surgery and explore the relationships between HDL, PLTP and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) burden (mass and activity).

Methods: Patients operated for abdominal sepsis were prospectively included in the study. Blood samples were obtained before surgery, at the end of the operation (H0), 4 h (H4) and 24 h (H24) later. Peritoneal fluid was also sampled. HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, PLTP activity, LPS mass and activity were measured.

Results: Twenty-seven patients were included. At H0, LPS mass was mostly measured in the lipoprotein fractions (46% [23; 58] in HDL and 36% [29; 54] in LDL). Overall, LPS mass and LPS activity did not decrease in the 24 h following admission to the ICU. Both HDLc concentrations and PLTP activity were associated with increased H4-LPS elimination (drop in LPS concentration, -3% [-26;10] vs. 29% [13;52], p < 0.01 and -2% [-15;10] vs. 20% [8:52], p = 0.03, respectively). Increased H4-LPS elimination was associated with reduced inflammation (plasma cytokine concentration) and mortality. High HDL cholesterol was associated with reduced mortality but not with inflammation.

Conclusion: Our data support the role of HDL and PLTP in the elimination of LPS during human peritonitis with sepsis. Increased H4-LPS elimination was associated with reduced inflammation and lower mortality.

Clinicaltrials: gov: NCT04126577.