Fractal-like kinetics, a possible link between preconditioning and sepsis immunodepression. On the chemical basis of innate immunity

Chirurgia (Bucur). 2012 Jan-Feb;107(1):22-6.

Abstract

In a recent paper the authors hypothesized that the so called fractal-like enzyme kinetics of intracellular reactions may explain the preconditioning effect in biology (Vasilescu C, Olteanu M, Flondor P, Revue Roumaine de Chimie. 2011; 56(7): 751-7). Inside cells the reaction kinetics is very well described by fractal-like kinetics. In the present work some clinical implications of this model are analyzed. Endotoxin tolerance is a particular case of preconditioning and shows similarities with the immunodepression seen in some sepsis patients. This idea offers a theoretical support for modulation of the enzymatic activity of the cell by changing the fractal dimension of the cytoskeleton.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Endotoxins*
  • Fractals*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Immunosuppression Therapy*
  • Kinetics
  • Mathematical Computing
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Sepsis / immunology*

Substances

  • Endotoxins