Chondroitin sulfate compounds comprising chondroitin sulfate backbone 19 mer, CS-A 19 mer, CS-C 19 mer, CS-E 19 mer, C8 backbone 13 mer, C8-A 13 mer, CS-C 13 mer, CS-E 13 mer and/or combinations thereof are provided. Methods of treating histone toxicity in a subject are provided, the methods including administering to a subject a chondroitin sulfate compound to treat the histone toxicity in the subject. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in treating histone toxicity and/or sepsis are provided. Methods of treating sepsis in a subject are provided, the methods including administering to a subject a chondroitin sulfate compound to treat the sepsis in the subject.