The role of protease inhibition with emphasis on the effects of inflammation and vascular immune phenomena.

This review discusses the role of protease inhibition with emphasis on the effects of inflammation and vascular immune phenomena in non-immunocompromised hosts. A vast body of knowledge elucidating the role of protease inhibition and hemostasis has accumulated in recent years. The two subjects are intimately linked, but the focus of this review is limited to the anti-inflammatory effects of protease inhibitors. In light of the particular expertise of the present authors, this review will focus on human studies and often cite work related to open-heart surgery, since in recent years this is the area in which a large effort has been concentrated worldwide.