Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammatory state is refractory in many patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic diseases as the greatest threat to human health. In 2000, nearly 125 million Americans were living with chronic conditions and 61 million (21%) had more than one. In 2014 nearly 60% of Americans had at least one chronic condition, 42% had more than one and 12% of adults had 5 or more chronic conditions. Worldwide, 3 of 5 people die due to chronic inflammatory diseases like stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, heart disorders, cancer, obesity, and diabetes.

In this series of lectures, we present the fundamentals that underpin the inflammatory state. The intend is to guide the therapeutic approaches that you as a provider may take.

We will start with an understanding of the immune processes that are at play during inflammation. Then we will review the pathophysiology of the processes that contribute to a continuous inflammatory state or a dysregulated immune system. We will look at the cells, cytokines, and inflammatory triggers that can be the target of therapy. We will look at the latest research uncovering the new therapeutic targets and the risk and benefits associated with their manipulation.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/