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Papers of the Week


2021 Apr 09


J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis


27

Once upon a time, inflammation.

Authors

Cavaillon J-M
J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis. 2021 Apr 09; 27:e20200147.
PMID: 33889184.

Abstract

Inflammation has accompanied humans since their first ancestors appeared on Earth. Aulus Cornelius Celsus (25 BC-50 AD), a Roman encyclopedist, offered a still valid statement about inflammation: "", defining the four cardinal signs of inflammation as redness and swelling with heat and pain. While inflammation has long been considered as a morbid phenomenon, John Hunter (18 century) and Elie Metchnikoff (19 century) understood that it was a natural and beneficial event that aims to address a sterile or an infectious insult. Many other famous scientists and some forgotten ones have identified the different cellular and molecular players, and deciphered the different mechanisms of inflammation. This review pays tribute to some of the giants who made major contributions, from Hippocrates to the late 19 and first half of the 20 century. We particularly address the discoveries related to phagocytes, diapedesis, chemotactism, and fever. We also mention the findings of the various inflammatory mediators and the different approaches designed to treat inflammatory disorders.