Chemokines as mediators of diseases related to surgical conditions

• Published in: Shock (Augusta, Ga.) Vol. 14; no. 1; p. 1
• Main Authors: Shames, B D, Zallen, G S, McIntyre, Jr, R C, Bensard, D D, Pulido, E J, Miller, S A, Pomerantz, B J, Selzman, C H, Meng, X, Harken, A H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-07-2000
• Subjects: Animals; Arteriosclerosis - etiology; Arteriosclerosis - physiopathology; Chemokines - biosynthesis; Chemokines - classification; Chemokines - genetics; Chemokines - physiology; Gene Expression Regulation - drug effects; Graft Rejection - etiology; Graft Rejection - physiopathology; Humans; I-kappa B Kinase; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - etiology; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - physiopathology; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Neutrophil Infiltration - physiology; NF-kappa B - antagonists & inhibitors; NF-kappa B - physiology; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Postoperative Complications - physiopathology; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases - antagonists & inhibitors; Receptors, Chemokine - antagonists & inhibitors; Receptors, Chemokine - physiology; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult - etiology; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult - physiopathology
• ISSN: 1073-2322
• DOI: 10.1097/00024382-200014010-00001

Chemokines are important mediators of inflammation. Animal studies suggest that inhibition of chemokine action results in a decrease in inflammation. Novel anti-inflammatory agents directed against chemokines are now available. Surgeons are uniquely positioned to treat multiple chemokine-mediated diseases. In this article, we review the biology and nomenclature of chemokines as well as their role in neutrophil migration. Further, the potential role of chemokines in various diseases related to surgical conditions, including adult respiratory distress syndrome, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and solid organ rejection, is reviewed. Finally, the idea that chemokines could be targets for novel therapeutic agents is discussed.