Drugs in Inflammation

Question 1

What is chronic inflammation?

Answer 1

Abnormal, sustained inflammation
(Lecture 14, Slide 5)

Question 2

Why does inflammation result in increased heat and redness?

Answer 2

Due to increased blood flow
(Lecture 14, Slide 8)

Question 3

How does inflammation cause pain?

Answer 3

During inflammation, the immune system releases prostaglandins and histamine which can activate nerve endings and cause pain
(Lecture 14, Slide 10)

Question 4

How does inflammation cause swelling?

Answer 4

Blood vessel leakage leads to swelling, and this is increased by histamine and prostaglandins, which are released by the immune system during inflammation.
(Lecture 14, Slide 11)

Question 5

What do polymorphs do during inflammation?

Answer 5

They swallow bacteria via phagocytosis
(Lecture 14, Slide 14)

Question 6

Why are polymorphs especially abundant in the lung?

Answer 6

As there is a higher risk of infection
(Lecture 14, Slide 14)

Question 7

What do polymorphs contain?

Answer 7

Enzymes and free radical oxygen
(Lecture 14, Slide 14)

Question 8

How does free radical oxygen destroy cells?

Answer 8

By combining with organic molecules
(Lecture 14, Slide 17)

Question 9

What does excess free radicals result in?

Answer 9

Tissue damage and ulceration
(Lecture 14, Slide 17)

Question 10

What appears after polymorphs in inflammation?

Answer 10

Macrophages
(Lecture 14, Slide 18)

Question 11

How do the properties of macrophages compare to polymorphs?

Answer 11

Similar properties but macrophages are larger and synthesise complement
(Lecture 14, Slide 18)

Question 12

What is TNF?

Answer 12

TNF stands for tumour necrosis factor and it is a cytokine secreted by T-lymphocytes
(Lecture 14, Slide 19)

Question 13

What can excess TNF cause?

Answer 13

Tissue damage
(Lecture 14, Slide 19)

Question 14

How do B-lymphocytes kill invaders?

Answer 14

By synthesising antibodies which stick to and kill invaders
(Lecture 14, Slide 19)

Question 15

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 15

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function.
(Lecture 14, Slide 22)

Question 16

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 16

The cause is unknown
(Lecture 14, Slide 22)

Question 17

How does rheumatoid arthritis lead to inflammation?

Answer 17

The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (the lining of the joins) leading it to become inflamed
(Lecture 14, Slide 22)

Question 18

How do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 18

By counting pain and swelling (acute symptoms)
(Lecture 14, Slide 23)

Question 19

How long does it take for NSAIDs and corticosteroids to become effective when treating rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 19

from hours to days
(Lecture 14, Slide 23)

Question 20

How do diseases modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 20

By countering chronic symptoms.
It may also modify the course of disease or produce remission (reduction or stopping of symptoms)
(Lecture 14, Slide 23)

Question 21

What is the mechanism of NSAIDs?

Answer 21

they inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), to prevent prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces joint pain and swelling
(Lecture 14, Slide 24)

Question 22

What are 2 side effects of NSAIDs?

Answer 22

Lose protective effects of prostaglandins
Gastric ulceration
Impaired kidney function
(Lecture 14, Slide 25)

Question 23

What are the two types of cyclooxygenase (COX) and their properties?

Answer 23

COX 1: controlled and constant, protective prostaglandins
COX 2: induced, uncontrolled, damaging prostaglandins
(Lecture 14, Slide 26)

Question 24

What are 2 side effects of corticosteroids?

Answer 24

Weight gain
Increased blood pressure
Increase cataracts
Osteoporosis (only in prolonged use)
(Lecture 14, Slide 28)