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Lipopolysaccharide Endotoxemia

Meaning

Lipopolysaccharide endotoxemia describes the clinical state characterized by the presence of elevated levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, in the systemic circulation. LPS is a potent endotoxin that, when it breaches the intestinal barrier, triggers a robust, systemic inflammatory and immune response. Clinically, this low-grade, chronic endotoxemia is a significant driver of metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammatory diseases.