topic 1.3

Question 1

what are the two categories of anti-inflammatory medicines?

Answer 1

1. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
2. corticosteroids (steroidal anti-inflammatories)

Question 2

describe the mechanism of action of NSAIDs

Answer 2

NSAIDs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting the activity of the COX enzymes

Question 3

are NSAIDs considered COX inhibitors?

Answer 3

yes, they are because they inhibit the activity of the COX enzyme

Question 4

is ibuprofen considered an NSAID?

Answer 4

yes, it is a commonly used NSAID

Question 5

what effects do NSAIDs have to treat acute and chronic inflammation?

Answer 5

• anti-inflammatory
• analgesic
• antipyretic (reduce fever)

Question 6

define glucocorticoids

Answer 6

a naturally occurring steroid hormone that is always present in the blood

Question 7

what are the main effects of glucocorticoids?

Answer 7

• metabolic effects
• anti-inflammatory/ immunosuppressive

Question 8

what happens during metabolic actions of glucocorticoids?

Answer 8

1. reduces cellular uptake of blood glucose
2. stimulation of gluconeogenesis (new glucose) by the liver
3. stimulation of lipolysis (fat broken into glucose)
4. increase in protein catabolism (protein into glucose)
5. decrease in osteoblast activity and increase in osteoclast activity

Question 9

what anti-inflammatory actions occur from glucocorticoids?

Answer 9

• inhibits phospholipase A and cyclo-oxygenase (COX)
• prevents the synthesis of key inflammatory chemical mediators

Question 10

what immunosuppressive actions occur from glucocorticoids?

Answer 10

• inhibits action and proliferation of immune cells (e.g. lymphocytes and macrophages)
• reduces the production of antibodies