Harmful molecular mechanisms in sepsis

Nat Rev Immunol. 2008 Oct;8(10):776-87. doi: 10.1038/nri2402.

Abstract

Sepsis and sepsis-associated multi-organ failure are major challenges for scientists and clinicians and are a tremendous burden for health-care systems. Despite extensive basic research and clinical studies, the pathophysiology of sepsis is still poorly understood. We are now beginning to understand that sepsis is a heterogeneous, dynamic syndrome caused by imbalances in the 'inflammatory network'. In this Review, we highlight recent insights into the molecular interactions that occur during sepsis and attempt to unravel the nature of the dysregulated immune response during sepsis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Autonomic Nervous System / immunology
  • Autonomic Nervous System / metabolism
  • Blood Coagulation Factors / immunology
  • Blood Coagulation Factors / metabolism
  • Complement System Proteins / immunology
  • Complement System Proteins / metabolism
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Fibrinolysis
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism*
  • Multiple Organ Failure / immunology*
  • Multiple Organ Failure / metabolism
  • Neutrophils / immunology
  • Sepsis / immunology*
  • Sepsis / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism

Substances

  • Blood Coagulation Factors
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Complement System Proteins