Põletikuliikmed

Põletikuliikmed, often translated as inflammation mediators or inflammatory mediators, are a diverse group of molecules that play crucial roles in the inflammatory response. These substances are released by various cells in the body, including immune cells like macrophages and mast cells, as well as damaged tissue cells. Their primary function is to initiate, amplify, and regulate the complex processes involved in inflammation, which is a vital defense mechanism against infection and injury.

Key categories of põletikuliikmed include cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and histamine. Cytokines, such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, modulate the activity of immune cells and can induce fever. Chemokines are chemotactic signals that attract other immune cells to the site of inflammation. Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are lipid mediators derived from cell membranes that contribute to vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and pain. Histamine, released by mast cells, is responsible for many of the immediate symptoms of inflammation, including redness, swelling, and itching.

The actions of põletikuliikmed are tightly controlled. While essential for healing and defense, dysregulation of these mediators can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, understanding the roles and interactions of these molecules is a major focus in medical research, with the aim of developing targeted therapies to manage inflammatory conditions.