LPS molecules are potent inflammagens (e.g. [9–11]) and may be both cytotoxic and/or neurotoxic [5,12–15]. They are known to induce the production of a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines [16–19] that are involved in various apoptotic, programmed necrosis and pyroptotic pathways . Indeed, cytokine production  is central to the development of inflammation . A further characteristic of systemic inflammation is a hypercoagulatory state [23–27]. Such hypercoagulability is a common pathology underlying all thrombotic conditions, including ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic stroke and venous thromboembolism . Furthermore, a hypercoagulable state is typically associated with pathological changes in the concentrations of fibrin(ogen) , and in particular an increase in the level of the fibrin degradation product D-dimer is seen as a reliable biomarker for cardiovascular risk .