Hibernation-Based Therapy to Improve Survival of Severe Blood Loss
Abstract
Blast injuries have been responsible for the majority of combat deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the likelihood of being exposed to explosives is increasing for military personnel and civilians alike in war zones and other regions of political conflict. The injuries sustained are often accompanied by severe blood loss, and shock from this blood loss is the most common cause of potentially salvageable deaths from combat related injuries. D-beta hydroxybutyrate and melatonin (BHB/M) is a novel therapy designed to prolong survival in patients who are risk for bleeding to death. Our overall strategy in this series of studies is to capitalize on the physiologic adaptive responses seen in hibernating mammals to aid in salvage of a patient with a potentially life-threatening blood loss, permitting survival to reach effective medical care. BHB/ M includes both an alternate fuel source for cells (D-beta hydroxybutyrate) and a powerful anti-oxidant, melatonin, to protect cells against damage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA613595
Entities
People
- Greg Beilman
- Kristin Pokorny
- Kristine Mulier
Organizations
- University of Minnesota