The relationship between proinflammatory mediators and heat stress induced rhabdomyolysis in exercising marines.

The problem of heat stress continues to plague military combat units deployed worldwide. Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and carries 10% mortality despite intervention. Proteolytic and pyrogenic pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6, are released into peripheral circulation in heat illness. It is not known how these mediators affect the outcome of heat illness. Identifying relationships between release of proinflammatory mediators and extent of rhabdomyolysis may lead to an intervention to reduce severity of outcome. This article presents the most current knowledge regarding the physiologic and pathophysiologic manifestations of heat illness. Based on this current state of the science the article introduces a study that will be conducted to address military unique heat stress research.