Inflammation and apoptosis.
Apoptosis is a highly regulated form of programmed cell death defined by distinct morphological and biochemical features; it plays an important role in embryogenesis and the maintenance of cellular and tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Its perturbation has been implicated in a wide range of patho-physiological stages, including autoimmune, bacterial, and viral disease, and degenerative disorders. The critical role of apoptosis in eliminating harmful or injured cells from tissues suggests its participation in inflammatory processes and in the resolution of inflammatory reactions. In this article, we briefly review the molecular mechanism of apoptosis and the role of apoptosis in inflammation.
Onishi
Y
Y
Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan.
Tanimoto
Y
Y
Kizaki
H
H
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology