Eicosanoids and Inflammatory Mediators

These flashcards cover key concepts related to eicosanoids, inflammation, and their physiological implications as discussed in the lecture.

Eicosanoids

Molecules derived from arachidonic acid that play crucial roles in inflammation and pain.

Inflammation

The body's response to injury, pathogen invasion, or necrosis, aimed at destroying the invader and repairing damage.

Cyclooxygenase (COX)

Enzymes that lead to the formation of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and vary in function between COX-1 and COX-2.

Prostaglandins (PG)

A group of eicosanoids that mediate various physiological processes, including inflammation, pain, and fever.

Leukotrienes (LT)

Eicosanoids involved in the inflammatory process that mediate bronchoconstriction and increase vascular permeability.

Thromboxanes (TX)

Eicosanoids that primarily act on platelets and are involved in vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation.

Pathophysiological Implications

Effects of eicosanoids and inflammation on physiological functions, such as pain signaling and fever.

Acute Inflammation

The initial response to tissue injury characterized by the rapid accumulation of neutrophils.

Chronic Inflammation

A prolonged inflammatory response that may involve macrophages and lymphocytes, often associated with autoimmune diseases.

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2)

An enzyme that plays a key role in the synthesis of eicosanoids from membrane phospholipids.

Chemical Mediators of Inflammation

Molecules such as histamine, cytokines and eicosanoids that facilitate the inflammatory response.

Drug Targets for Inflammation

Various enzymes and pathways that can be inhibited or modulated for therapeutic benefits in inflammation.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes to relieve pain and inflammation.

Autoimmunity

A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, contributing to persistent inflammation.

Gout

A type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals, leading to pain and swelling.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, often mediated by prostaglandins, resulting in increased blood flow and redness during inflammation.

Calor, Dolor, Rubor, Tumor

The classic signs of inflammation: warmth, pain, redness, and swelling.

Eicosanoids: Roles and Functions

Regulate processes such as pain, inflammation, and response to injury through local effects.

Immune Components

Cells and soluble factors such as antibodies and cytokines that mediate and regulate inflammatory responses.

Enzymatic Pathway

The biochemical processes that synthesize eicosanoids from arachidonic acid via COX and lipoxygenase enzymes.