Uteroglobin-related protein 1 and severity of inhalation injury

Introduction Burns are a major global public health problem. It is estimated that over 300 million burn victims die each year worldwide. Most accidents are domestic or on workplace and involve mainly women and children. With the advances made in the care of burned patients, the mortality has decreased in recent years and the inhalation injury has become the leading cause of death in these patients. Mortality associated to smoke inhalation alone may be low (0-11%), but the inhalation combined with skin burns can reach 90%. Uteroglobin-related protein 1 (UGRP1) is a secretory protein expressed in the airways, and speculated to have anti-inflammatory activity.