Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the role of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (iFABP) and allergy-related diamine oxidase (DAO) in patients with heat stroke (HS).
Methods: A total of 10 patients with HS in intensive care unit and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. The plasma intestinal permeability markers iFABP and DAO were measured since the time of admission. The whole blood endotoxin was also assessed. The associations between iFABP, DAO, and endotoxin level were analyzed. Then, white blood cell count, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein were examined. In addition, we also determined the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α.
Results: Comparing with the healthy control, the plasma iFABP and DAO level in patients with HS increased significantly (P < .05). The kinetic curve showed that plasma iFABP and DAO level reached peak value at day 3 and day 4 after admission, respectively. The endotoxin level was positively correlated with iFABP and DAO level. We also observed a significantly increased level of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein but not white blood count in patients with HS. After treatment, the iFABP and DAO level decreased significantly (P < .05). A significant increase in level of IL-1α and IL-6 was also found in patients with HS.
Conclusions: The plasma concentrations of DAO and iFABP could reflect a better function of the intestinal mucosa barrier in patients with HS. Plasma iFABP and DAO level decreased significantly after the treatment and, thus, might be a predictor for the severity of HS.
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