Figure 1.

Cytokine cascade after CLP induction. Invasion of stimuli (bacterial endotoxin) to the blood is the trigger of cytokine cascade. An increase in the early proinflammatory elements (such as IL-1β and TNF-α) results in the production of other inflammatory factors such as NF-κB, IL-6, and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. An uncontrolled cytokine cascade will lead to sepsis and, in severe cases, to septic shock. Tissue/organ dysfunction or end-organ damage might occur following progressive cytokine imbalance. CLP: cecal ligation and puncture; IL: interleukin; TNF: tumor necrosis factor.