High-MW sSDC1 molecules >200 kDa, which were precipitated by the anti-HS Ab, could be detected in the pooled septic serum, but not in the pooled control serum, providing compelling evidence that the systemic inflammatory response associated with sepsis may promote the shedding of the HS-rich SDC1 ectodomain from the cell surface. The gene discussed is SDC1; the disease is Sepsis.