Understanding Sickness Behavior in Severe Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Ian A Clark, Alison C Budd, Lisa M Alleva
Primary Institution: School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
Hypothesis
The study proposes that the severe systemic inflammatory syndrome is caused by excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines that disrupt circadian rhythm and lead to sickness behavior.
Conclusion
The coexistence of various harmful alterations in severe infectious diseases can be understood as an extreme form of sickness behavior driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Supporting Evidence
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF and IL-1 are linked to sickness behavior.
- Sickness behavior is thought to be an adaptive response to illness.
- Excessive production of these cytokines can lead to harmful changes in the body.
- Reversible encephalopathy and gene silencing are severe consequences of this syndrome.
- Dyserythropoiesis and seizures are also associated with high levels of inflammatory cytokines.
- Coagulopathy and hypoalbuminaemia are common in severe systemic inflammatory states.
- Hypertriglyceridaemia is expected in diseases with elevated TNF levels.
Takeaway
When people or animals get really sick, their bodies produce too many chemicals that can make them feel worse instead of better. This study looks at how that happens.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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