Inflammatory Disease Mechanisms
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense.
It protects against infection and injury.
However, when inflammation becomes uncontrolled, disease develops.
Inflammatory diseases occur when the immune system stays active for too long.
This leads to tissue damage.
Organs begin to malfunction.
Chronic inflammation becomes the main problem.
How Inflammation Starts
The process begins with immune cell activation.
White blood cells detect danger signals.
They release chemical messengers called cytokines.
These signals attract more immune cells.
Blood vessels widen.
Fluid moves into tissues.
Swelling, redness, and pain appear.
Key Molecular Pathways
Several pathways control inflammation.
The NF-κB pathway switches on inflammatory genes.
The JAK-STAT pathway amplifies immune signals.
The MAPK pathway regulates cell stress responses.
When these pathways remain active, inflammation persists.
Role of the Immune System
Macrophages initiate the response.
T-cells and B-cells sustain it.
Neutrophils cause early tissue injury.
Chronic disease emerges when immune balance is lost.
The body begins attacking its own tissues.
Inflammatory Mediators
Cytokines drive the reaction.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) increases damage.
Interleukins coordinate immune activity.
Prostaglandins promote pain and swelling.
Chemokines guide immune cell movement.
Diseases Linked to Inflammation
Many disorders arise from chronic inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one example.
Inflammatory bowel disease is another.
Asthma involves airway inflammation.
Diabetes has an inflammatory component.
Heart disease is influenced by chronic immune activity.
Environmental and Genetic Influences
Genes affect immune sensitivity.
Environmental triggers worsen inflammation.
Infections can initiate autoimmune reactions.
Diet and lifestyle modify inflammatory levels.
Stress intensifies immune dysfunction.
Clinical Importance
Understanding these mechanisms improves treatment.
Modern therapies target cytokines and pathways.
Biologic drugs block TNF and interleukins.
Precision medicine personalizes therapy.
Early control prevents irreversible damage.
Final Perspective
Inflammatory disease is complex.
It involves immunity, genetics, and environment.
Future research continues to reveal deeper mechanisms.
Better understanding leads to better health outcomes.
CMP Bio World 