Local burn wound environment versus systemic response: Comparison of proteins and metabolites

Abstract

In this study, paired blood plasma (BP) and blister fluid (BF) samples from five paediatric burn patients were analysed using mass spectrometry to compare their protein and metabolite composition. The relative quantification of proteins was achieved through a label‐free data independent acquisition mode. The relative quantification of metabolites was achieved using a Shimadzu Smart Metabolite Database gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) targeted assay. In total, 562 proteins and 141 individual metabolites were identified in the samples. There was 81% similarity in the proteins present in the BP and BF, with 50 and 54 unique proteins found in each sample type respectively. BF contained keratinocyte proliferation‐related proteins and blood plasma contained abundant blood clotting proteins and apolipoproteins. BF contained more carbohydrates and less alpha‐hydroxy acid metabolites than the BP. In this study, there were unique proteins and metabolites in BF and BP which were reflective of the local wound environment and systemic environments respectively. The results from this study demonstrate that the biomolecule content of BF is mostly the same as blood, but it also contains information specific to the local wound environment.

Unremitting pro‐inflammatory T‐cell phenotypes, and macrophage activity, following paediatric burn injury

“…The γδ T cells can be skin resident and activated by Damage‐associated molecular patterns DAMPs (e.g. S100A/HMBGB1) 33,38,39 . We observed a 3‐fold increase in the number of γδ T cells delivering IL‐17 into circulation in the first 3 weeks post‐burn, suggesting that they are among the first responders to a burn event.…”

“…S100A/HMBGB1). 33,38,39 We observed a 3-fold increase in the number of cd T cells delivering IL-17 into circulation in the first 3 weeks post-burn, suggesting that they are among the first responders to a burn event. In the late phase of scar remodelling, from 9-18 months post-burn, there are elevated levels of both TNF-a and NFjb, co-expressed by cd T cells.…”