Chemokines as mediators of diseases related to surgical conditions

Chemokines are important mediators of inflammation. Animal studies suggest that inhibition of chemokine action results in a decrease in inflammation. Novel anti-inflammatory agents directed against chemokines are now availabl e. Surgeons are uniquely positioned to treat multiple chemokine-mediated di seases. In this article, we review the biology and nomenclature of chemokin es as well as their role in neutrophil migration. Further, the potential ro le of chemokines in various diseases related to surgical conditions, includ ing adult respiratory distress syndrome, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowe l disease, and solid organ rejection, is reviewed. Finally, the idea that c hemokines could be targets for novel therapeutic agents is discussed.