Inflammatory Pathways

Inflammatory pathways are the body's natural processes for responding to injury or infection. When harm occurs, immune signals called cytokines are released, alerting immune cells to the site. These cells then work to eliminate invaders or repair damage, causing symptoms like redness, swelling, and warmth. The pathways involve a series of biochemical reactions activating immune responses. Sometimes, these responses persist or become unbalanced, leading to chronic inflammation, which can contribute to diseases like arthritis or cardiovascular issues. Overall, inflammatory pathways are essential for defense and healing, but they need to be properly regulated to prevent tissue damage.