Extracellular histones: toxic effects and roles in sepsis

Histones are important structural elements of nuclear chromatin. Extracellular histones are released during cell death and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by immune cells. Extracellular histones are toxic to cells and have multiple effects in inflammation, injury and coagulation. Extracellular histonesincrease in sepsis and further facilitate disorders of inflammation, tissue injury and organ dysfunction. This study aims to review the toxic effects of extracellular histones and their roles in sepsis. Key words: Extracellular histones; Neutrophil extracellular traps; Sepsis; Inflammation; Injury