Publication Date
2026
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Biology, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Florian
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
During severe infection and surgical stress, the body experiences significant metabolic stress in which cells may struggle to produce the energy needed to maintain normal function.To investigate this, mitochondrial metabolism will be analyzed in immune cells obtained from ICU patients. Peripheral blood samples will be collected, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) will be isolated for metabolic analysis. These cells will be evaluated using Seahorse extracellular flux assays, which measure oxygen consumption and cellular metabolic activity in real time. By performing a mitochondrial stress test, multiple parameters of mitochondrial respiration will be assessed to determine how cellular energy production changes during sepsis and surgical stress. Understanding these metabolic changes may provide insight into mitochondrial dysfunction in critical illness and its potential role in disease progression in ICU patients
Recommended Citation
Klaver, Sophia, "Exploring Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Critical Illness: Seahorse Analysis of Immune Cell Metabolism in ICU Patients with Sepsis and Surgical Stress" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 1128.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/1128
