GLOSSARY

Endotoxemia is circulating endotoxin, interpreted by amount and context rather than equated automatically with sepsis.

Lipopolysaccharide is an outer-membrane component of many Gram-negative bacteria, with its lipid region contributing immune activity. Its blood presence is not identical to live bacteria, bloodstream infection or sepsis. Metabolic endotoxemia describes low-grade exposure in research rather than a universal athlete diagnostic threshold. Assay and contamination affect interpretation; the low-grade label does not prescribe self-treatment or establish that every gram-negative organism is causing disease.

Permeability, cellular injury and microbial or endotoxin translocation are related but different outcomes. Their assays are not interchangeable. Leaky gut is not an explanation diagnosing every nonspecific symptom, and an inadequately validated commercial test cannot prescribe treatment. Record sampling time, recent exercise and method. One blood marker does not locate or grade every intestinal problem, and a transient research change is not automatically a chronic clinical disorder.

Mucosal immunity coordinates pathogen defense with tolerance of foods and commensals, involving intestinal lymphoid tissue and secretory antibodies. Indiscriminately boosting every response is not desirable, and immune tolerance is not identical to symptom-free digestive tolerance. Athletes also need sufficient energy, sleep and training-load management. A bacterial name or isolated marker does not guarantee freedom from infection or replace assessment of recurring illness and dietary adequacy.