Proinflammatoires

Proinflammatoires refers to substances or processes that promote inflammation. Inflammation is a complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective response that helps the body eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells and tissues damaged as a result of the original insult and the acute response, and initiate tissue repair. However, chronic or excessive inflammation can be detrimental.

Proinflammatory substances, often referred to as cytokines, include molecules like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These signaling molecules are produced by immune cells and other cells in the body and play crucial roles in initiating and amplifying the inflammatory cascade. They can cause vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and the recruitment of other immune cells to the site of inflammation.

The inflammatory response is characterized by several classic signs: redness (rubor), heat (calor), swelling (tumor), pain (dolor), and loss of function (functio laesa). While acute inflammation is generally a beneficial and self-limiting process, a dysregulated or persistent inflammatory state can contribute to the development and progression of numerous diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and certain types of cancer. Understanding the role of proinflammatoires is therefore key to developing therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the immune response and mitigating disease.