β-Sitosterol Alters the Inflammatory Response in CLP Rat Model of Sepsis by Modulation of NFκB Signaling

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.