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Endotoxins

Meaning

Endotoxins are toxic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules that are integral components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. These potent inflammatory agents are released upon bacterial cell lysis or death, and when they enter the systemic circulation, they can trigger a robust immune response. Clinically, excessive endotoxin exposure, often originating from the gut microbiome, is linked to systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and endocrine disruption, profoundly impacting metabolic and hormonal health.