NF-κB activation as a pathological mechanism of septic shock and inflammation

The pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock involves complex cytokine and inflammatory mediator networks. NF-kappaB activation is a central event leading to the activation of these networks. The role of NF-kappaB in septic pathophysiology and the signal transduction pathways leading to NF-kappaB activation during sepsis have been an area of intensive investigation. NF-kappaB is activated by a variety of pathogens known to cause septic shock syndrome. NF-kappaB activity is markedly increased in every organ studied, both in animal models of septic shock and in human subjects with sepsis. Greater levels of NF-kappaB activity are associated with a higher rate of mortality and worse clinical outcome. NF-kappaB…