Carrageenan, a polysaccharide derived from red seaweeds, is commonly used to induce inflammation in animal models for studying inflammatory diseases. Its pro-inflammatory effects involve several key mechanisms:
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Activation of the Immune System: Carrageenan stimulates local immune cells, particularly macrophages, leading to an increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
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Disruption of Epithelial Barrier: It causes damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier, increasing intestinal permeability and facilitating the entry of pathogens and toxins, which exacerbates inflammation.
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Production of Inflammatory Mediators: Carrageenan enhances the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, contributing to inflammation and pain.
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Modulation of Signaling Pathways: It affects important signaling pathways, including NF-κB and MAPK, which are crucial in regulating the inflammatory response.
These mechanisms make carrageenan a valuable tool for studying inflammatory processes and evaluating the efficacy of anti-inflammatory treatments in animal models.