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What sets paracetamol apart from other NSAIDs?
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Paracetamol is an effective analgesic and antipyretic but is a poor anti-inflammatory and may inhibit a third Cox isoform (Cox-3).
What is the role of pro-inflammatory gene expression in inflammation and how do glucocorticoids affect it?
Pro-inflammatory gene expression promotes inflammation, and glucocorticoids reduce this expression by altering gene transcription.
What is the importance of the arachidonic acid pathway?
It leads to the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are key mediators in inflammation.
Describe the mechanism of action common to NSAIDs.
NSAIDs inhibit Cox enzymes (Cyclooxygenase), reducing inflammation, pain, and fever.
What triggers the inflammatory process?
Damage/injury to vascularized tissue.
How does aspirin affect the body beyond reducing inflammation?
Apart from reducing inflammation, pain, and fever, aspirin can also prevent cardiovascular diseases but has GI side effects due to reduced mucous lining.
What chemicals are involved as mediators in the inflammatory process?
Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, nitric oxide, bradykinins, histamine, cytokines.
What are the primary functions of prostaglandins?
They are involved in inflammation, pain, fever, maintaining GI integrity, and promoting platelet aggregation.
Describe the role of vasodilation in inflammation.
Blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow to the injured site.
List the cardinal signs of inflammation.
Redness, heat, swelling, pain.
What potential risk is associated with using Cox-2 specific inhibitors like celecoxib?
There is a potential risk of clotting when using Cox-2 specific inhibitors.
Differentiate between the Cox-1 and Cox-2 pathways.
Cox-1 is involved in maintaining GI integrity and platelet aggregation, while Cox-2 is primarily involved in inflammation and pain.
What is the significance of endothelial constriction during inflammation?
Endothelial cells contract, increasing permeability and allowing fluids to escape into surrounding tissues.
What systemic effects can glucocorticoids have?
Glucocorticoids can have systemic effects, including glucose regulation.
What are the therapeutic uses of NSAIDs in the context of rheumatoid arthritis?
They are used to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Why is Ibuprofen considered similar to aspirin?
Both inhibit Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes and have similar effects in reducing inflammation, pain, and fever.
Which NSAID is known for reducing GI side effects and what enzyme does it specifically target?
Celecoxib is known for reducing GI side effects and specifically targets Cox-2.
What roles do leukotrienes play in asthma?
They promote inflammation, mucus secretion, and bronchoconstriction.
Explain the mechanism by which glucocorticoids exert their anti-inflammatory effects.
Glucocorticoids inhibit phospholipid to arachidonic acid conversion and alter gene transcription to reduce pro-inflammatory gene expression.
How does the inhibition of Cox enzymes affect platelet aggregation?
Inhibiting Cox-1 reduces platelet aggregation, whereas inhibiting Cox-2 has a reduced effect on platelet aggregation.
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