Inflammation as a drug target Flashcards
What is inflammation, and what role does it play in the body?
Inflammation is a local response to cellular injury that includes capillary dilation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, and pain. It serves to eliminate noxious agents and damaged tissue, initiating the body’s healing process.
What are the clinical features of acute inflammation?
The clinical features of acute inflammation include:
Redness: Caused by vasodilation and increased blood flow.
Heat: Localized temperature increase due to increased blood flow.
Swelling: Resulting from increased vessel permeability, leading to fluid leakage into the interstitial space.
Pain: Caused by mechanical and chemical mediators stimulating local nerve endings.
What are some conservative and pharmacological treatments for acute inflammation?
Conservative treatments include rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Pharmacologically, NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are commonly used to manage inflammation. However, NSAIDs may have side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, asthma symptoms, gastrointestinal bleeding, and acute kidney injury.
What is chronic inflammation, and how does it differ from acute inflammation?
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged inflammatory response, often due to persistent antigens or autoimmune diseases. Unlike acute inflammation, which is a short-term response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation can lead to permanent tissue damage or fibrosis.
What is Ulcerative Colitis, and how is it related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which is characterized by chronic inflammation of the bowel or colon. It is likely an autoimmune disease triggered by an inflammatory response to colonic bacteria.
What are some common extra-intestinal manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD include:
Peripheral arthritis
Erythema nodosum
Pyoderma gangrenosum
Anterior uveitis
Ankylosing spondylitis
How is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) diagnosed?
IBD is diagnosed through:
Clinical diagnosis: Medical history and examination.
Disease-specific antibody testing.
Inflammatory markers: Blood tests, including white cell count.
Imaging: CT scans or MRI.
Tissue biopsy
What are corticosteroids, and how do they help in inflammation?
Corticosteroids, such as prednisolone and hydrocortisone, inhibit inflammation by suppressing the activation of cells and mediators involved in the inflammatory process. They are used in various conditions but are prescribed at the lowest effective dose due to potential debilitating side effects.
What are some complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Complications of IBD can be categorized as local or systemic:
Local complications: Malnutrition, anaemia, bowel obstruction, fistulae, strictures, abscesses, and an increased risk of colon cancer.
Systemic complications: Joint pain, osteoporosis, eye redness/soreness, and skin rashes.
What is Infliximab, and how is it used in the treatment of IBD?
Infliximab is a monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antibody. It is used to treat conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is administered via intravenous infusion every 6-8 weeks in a hospital setting. Possible side effects include infusion reactions, increased risk of infection, diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, fatigue, and myalgia.
What are the primary goals of acute inflammation?
The primary goals of acute inflammation are to contain or isolate the injury, destroy foreign matter, and heal and repair the damage caused by cell injury or the presence of foreign materials.
What causes the pain associated with acute inflammation?
Pain in acute inflammation is caused by the stimulation of local nerve endings by mechanical and chemical mediators released during the inflammatory response.
What are the potential side effects of NSAIDs?
NSAIDs can cause various side effects, including gastrointestinal problems (e.g., bleeding), worsening asthma symptoms, and acute kidney injury. They can also be administered as suppositories, topically, or in dispersible tablet form.
What is the main difference between acute and chronic inflammation?
Acute inflammation is a short-term, immediate response to injury or infection, whereas chronic inflammation is a prolonged and ongoing response that can result from persistent antigen presence or autoimmune diseases. Chronic inflammation may lead to permanent tissue damage or fibrosis.
How does ulcerative colitis relate to genetic predisposition?
Ulcerative colitis is thought to occur in genetically susceptible individuals. Around 10 to 20% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a family history of IBD, indicating a genetic predisposition to the condition.
What is the role of imaging in diagnosing IBD?
Imaging, such as CT scans or MRI, helps diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by providing detailed views of the bowel or colon, which can identify areas of inflammation, structural changes, or complications such as strictures and abscesses.
What are some conditions treated by Infliximab besides ulcerative colitis?
In addition to ulcerative colitis, Infliximab is used to treat other conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, including Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
What is the function of disease-specific antibody testing in diagnosing IBD?
Disease-specific antibody testing helps diagnose IBD by detecting specific antibodies that may be present in the blood, which can indicate the presence of conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Why is early diagnosis important in inflammatory diseases like IBD?
Early diagnosis of inflammatory diseases like IBD is crucial to prevent disease progression and reduce the risk of irreversible damage, which could lead to complications such as fibrosis or permanent tissue damage.
How are corticosteroids typically administered for inflammatory conditions?
Corticosteroids, such as prednisolone and hydrocortisone, can be administered in various forms, including oral tablets, intravenous injections, topical applications, or suppositories. However, they are used at the lowest possible dose to minimize side effects.
