 Although zinc is not an antioxidant itself, it binds to metallothionein 11 and zinc supplementation decreases oxidative stress 12. Oxidative stress has been consistently reported in patients with sepsis 13-15. We have recently shown that protection of mitochondrial function with antioxidants can reduce organ damage in rats 16. Pentraxin-3 is an inflammatory marker which is regulated in part by antioxidants and plays a key role in innate immunity 17. 