Potential role of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 as a biomarker in patients with sepsis and septic shock: A prospective observational study

Background and Aims: Early diagnosis of sepsis is crucial. The primary objective of this study was to explore the role of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in diagnosing sepsis and septic shock. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over 19 months. All adult patients aged more than 18 years with a diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock based on quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score were enroled. Blood was drawn for procalcitonin (PCT) and UCP2 on days 0, 3, 7 and 28. Blood samples from 50 healthy volunteers were used as controls. An electrochemiluminescence test was done for PCT. A quantitative enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay was used for UCP2. The Chi-square test was used for qualitative variables and the independent t-test for quantitative variables. The receiver operator characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of UCP2. Results: A total of 128 subjects were included in the study. Out of these, 78 patients (qSOFA score >= 2) were subcategorised into the infection group, sepsis or septic shock group based on the PCT levels. The UCP2 levels in the infection, sepsis or septic shock group were significantly higher than in the control group (P > 0.001). The UCP2 levels correlated with PCT on admission, day 3 and day 7. Conclusion: The UCP2 levels were significantly higher in sepsis and septic shock groups compared to controls and hence could be a potential diagnostic biomarker of sepsis.