ObjectiveTo detecte the expressions of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) gene and protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with sepsis and to explore its role in the pathogenesis of acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC). MethodsThe PBMC and serum were separated from AOSC patients (n=25) before treatment and in 1 week after recure, and healthy volunteers (normal control group, n=15). The serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PTEN, nuclear fator κB P65 (NF-κB), and inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsThe levels of LPS, TNF-α, and IL-10 before treatment were significantly higher than those of normal control group (P < 0.05), the indicators were significantly decreased and close to normal levels in 1 week after recure. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PTEN and IκB before treatment were lower than those of normal control group (P < 0.05), NF-κB P65 was higher than those of normal control group (P < 0.05), while the phosphorylation levels of PTEN and IκB were higher than those normal control group (P < 0.05), and in 1 week after recure, the above indicators returned to normal levels. ConclusionsSepsis shift may be associated with the occurrence of intestinal LPS, and caused the imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the body. PTEN for phosphorylation activation of IκB or directly activation of NF-κB participate the originating process of sepsis, hinting a therapeutic potentialities in the early stage of sepsis.