Monoamino-oxidase-A function and potential benefit of its inhibition in sepsis

The use of hydrocortisone (HC) for treatment of septic shock is controversially discussed. Microarray data from the CORTICUS trial showed the transcript encoding monoamino-oxidase-A (MAOA) as one of the strongest upregulated genes. Due to its involvement in generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, MAOA might play an important role in infection and development of organ dysfunction in these patients. Blocking MAOA with the specific inhibitor clorgylin (CL) may provide a new therapeutic intervention for sepsis. The present study investigates the function of MAOA in sepsis and the potential benefits of its inhibition.