Transcending metabolic acidosis: lactate as an epigenetic signal reprogramming diabetes-sepsis immunity - Report - MDSpire

Transcending metabolic acidosis: lactate as an epigenetic signal reprogramming diabetes-sepsis immunity

  • By

  • Xin Cai

  • Liu Han

  • Qun Liang

  • May 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Reevaluating Metabolic Acidosis in Diabetes-Related Sepsis

Overview

Revise to clarify lactate's dual role in metabolic dysregulation and immune modulation.

Background

Diabetic sepsis presents a significant clinical challenge, characterized by increased mortality and unique immune dysfunctions compared to non-diabetic patients. Understanding the interplay between metabolic status and immune response is crucial, as over 30% of sepsis cases involve diabetes, leading to heightened susceptibility to infections and multi-organ failure. The role of lactate in this context is emerging as a critical area of research.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the article.

Key Findings

  • Diabetic patients with sepsis show elevated inflammatory cytokines and impaired antigen presentation.
  • Blood lactate levels in critically ill diabetic patients can exceed 10 mmol/L, significantly higher than in non-diabetics.
  • Lactate induces histone lactylation at H3K18, activating inflammatory genes while suppressing antigen presentation pathways.
  • Preliminary studies indicate a correlation between H3K18la levels and disease severity (r = 0.63).
  • Lactate clearance of <30% within 6 hours is associated with poor prognosis.
  • Current therapies targeting lactate modulation show limited evidence of survival benefit.

Clinical Implications

Suggest specific strategies for lactate reduction and examples of clinical trials.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of lactate in the pathophysiology of diabetes-related sepsis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Continued research is essential to develop effective interventions that address the unique challenges posed by this patient population.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Critical Care (Springer), 2025 -- Intestinal lactate as a crucial molecular for intestinal epithelial cell renewal in sepsis
  2. Critical Care (Springer), 2025 -- Lactate regulation may be a key factor in the protection of the intestinal barrier in sepsis under high-altitude hypoxic and hypobaric conditions
  3. Critical Care (Springer), 2025 -- Unlocking the metabolic and anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential of lactate in critically ill patients
  4. Intensive Care Medicine, 2018 -- Identifying Common Misconceptions About Lactate Clearance in Sepsis
  5. Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines | SCCM, 2023
  6. JAMA Network, 2025 -- Sodium Bicarbonate for Severe Metabolic Acidemia and Acute Kidney Injury: The BICARICU-2 Randomized Clinical Trial
  7. PMC, 2008 -- Diabetes mellitus and mortality in patients admitted to ICU with sepsis: a meta-analysis
  8. Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines | SCCM
  9. Sodium Bicarbonate for Severe Metabolic Acidemia and Acute Kidney Injury: The BICARICU-2 Randomized Clinical Trial | Trials | JAMA | JAMA Network
  10. Diabetes mellitus and mortality in patients admitted to ICU with sepsis: a meta-analysis - PMC

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