Role of nuclear factor-κB activation in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction

As a common complication in patients with sepsis, cardiac dysfunction may significantly increase mortality of these patients, but its mechanism is still unclear. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a pleiotropic transcription inducing factor, which involves in the regulation of multiple biological phenomena and disease status. NF-κB activation participates in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, cardiomyocyte autophagy, and release of inflammatory cytokines in patients with sepsis, indicating its important role in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction.