Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Inflammatory Cascade: A Review

Abstract

Inflammation participates importantly in host defenses against infectious agents and injury, but it also contributes to the pathophysiology of many chronic diseases. Many molecular mechanisms are involved in the process of inflammation such as Prostaglandins, Platelet activating factors, Leukotrienes, Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), Interleukin one beta (IL1β), nuclear factor kappa beta (NFΚβ) and oxidative stress. These inflammatory molecules work together in concert to produce inflammation. The therapeutic targets for resolving inflammation are numerous because the process of inflammation is multifaceted. Inflammatory mediators, free radical activity and oxidative stress have been found to be attractive anti-inflammatory targets. The role of these components must be understood in order to effectively investigate inflammatory mediators as drug targets. This review mainly aims to summarise our current understanding of the molecular basis of inflammation and therapeutic implications to prevent this phenomenal activity.