Inflammation in Focus: The Beginning and the End

Abstract

The inflammation is an important biological response induced by various harmful stimuli, like viruses, bacterial infections, toxins, toxic compounds, tissue injury. During inflammation inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species are produced. Inflammatory cytokines act on various receptors present on the plasma membrane of target cells. To initiate signaling cascade, and activate transcription factors, receptors should be internalized and enter the early endosomes, where the members of the signaling cascade can meet. The further cytoplasmic fate of the receptor plays crucial role in the progression and the course of inflammation. Usually acute inflammation removes injurious stimuli and helps to regain the normal healthy status of the organism. In contrast to this the uncontrolled chronic inflammation—stimulating other than immune cells, inducing transdifferentiation—can provide base of various serious diseases. This paper draws the attention of the long-lasting consequence of chronic inflammation, pointing out that one of the most important step in medication is to identify in time the factors initiating and maintaining inflammation.