Sepsis and Brain Fog: The Role of GDF15

Sepsis is a serious condition that can mess with your brain. It can cause a bunch of problems, like delirium, coma, and even long-term memory issues. Doctors call this sepsis-associated encephalopathy, or SAE. It's a big deal because it affects a lot of people and can be really hard to deal with. SAE is all about the brain's immune cells, called microglia, getting activated. But what exactly makes them go nuts? That's still a mystery. Here's where things get interesting. There's this thing called Growth Differentiation Factor 15, or GDF15. When sepsis hits, GDF15 levels shoot up. The more GDF15, the worse things get. It's like a bad omen for how sick someone is and how likely they are to not make it. GDF15 doesn't just mess with sepsis patients. It also affects older folks. High levels of GDF15 can lead to smaller gray matter volume in the brain. This can cause memory problems and other cognitive issues. But how does GDF15 cause these problems? Scientists are still figuring that out. They know it has something to do with inflammation and the way microglia react. But the details are still fuzzy. GDF15 is a big player in sepsis and brain issues. Understanding it better could help doctors treat SAE and other brain problems caused by sepsis. It's a complex puzzle, but every piece we find brings us closer to a solution.