HealthAugust 16, 2026
endotoxin
EN-doh-tok-sin
Definition
A toxic substance present inside a bacterial cell that is released when the bacterium dies or disintegrates, potentially causing inflammation or illness.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek 'endon' meaning 'within' and 'toxikon' meaning 'poison'. It entered scientific terminology to describe toxins that are bound to the cell wall of bacteria rather than being secreted into the surrounding environment.
In the news
The article notes that current treatments for gum disease can release endotoxins from dead bacteria, which can worsen inflammation in the patient's mouth.
New Treatment Targets Gum Disease Without Killing Good Bacteria
Read the full article ↗SciTechDaily