Figure 1

Key events leading from infection to multiorgan failure. For the sake of clarity, not all interactions and pathways are shown. 'S' denotes possible sites where statins might be exerting their beneficial effect. Shown in italics are some of the main clinical manifestations pertinent to specific elements of the inflammatory cascade. CRP, C-reactive protein; DIC, disseminated intravascular coagulation; HO, heme oxygenase; NO, nitric oxide; SIRS, systemic inflammatory response syndrome.