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Related Experiment Videos

Circulating toxins in human disease: a viable concept?

J L Ninnemann, A N Ozkan

    Annals of Plastic Surgery
    |February 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary

    Circulating mediators after injury or disease can cause clinical effects, often called toxins. This paper questions the continued use of the term "toxin" and the toxic concept in modern medicine.

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    Area of Science:

    • Medical Science
    • Toxicology
    • Pathophysiology

    Background:

    • Clinical and biological effects are observed in patients following injury, surgery, or disease.
    • These effects are often attributed to circulating mediators in the bloodstream.
    • The term 'toxin' is frequently used to describe these mediators.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To examine the clinical and biological effects attributed to circulating mediators.
    • To critically evaluate the use of the term 'toxin' in modern medicine.
    • To discuss the validity of the 'toxic concept' in the context of patient recovery and disease.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review and critical analysis of existing medical concepts.
    • Case study example: cutaneous burn toxin.
    • Discussion of the historical and current acceptance of toxicological principles in medicine.

    Main Results:

    • Circulating mediators are indeed associated with significant physiological changes.
    • The term 'toxin' is often applied broadly and may lack precise definition in many contexts.
    • The 'toxic concept' may oversimplify complex pathophysiological processes.

    Conclusions:

    • The continued acceptance of the term 'toxin' and the 'toxic concept' in medicine warrants critical re-evaluation.
    • A more nuanced understanding of mediator function is needed.
    • Alternative terminology and conceptual frameworks may be more appropriate for describing post-injury/disease states.

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