We conclude that LPS can evoke IL-18 production in MCs, but neither LPS nor IL-18 directly induces apoptosis or activates apoptotic signal transduction in the cells. We infer that LPS-induced IL-18 production by MCs could be a mediator by which LPS accelerates and exacerbates LN.

Pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid up-regulated proinflammatory cytokines by interfering with proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways, thus exacerbating activation in acute pancreatitis.

No abstract