Chemistry and Pharmacology of Drugs for Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the chemistry and pharmacology of drugs used for inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Pathophysiology

The study of the functional changes in the body as a result of a disease, especially focused on autoimmune diseases.

Autoantibodies

Antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and attack the body's own tissues.

Pannus

A vascular granulation tissue formed in rheumatoid arthritis that erodes cartilage and destroys bone.

Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is often unclear but involves genetic and environmental factors.

Corticosteroids

Fast-acting drugs used to reduce inflammation, suppress immune response, and treat a variety of conditions such as autoimmune diseases.

Cox-2 Inhibitors

A class of drugs designed to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, aimed at minimizing gastrointestinal side effects caused by COX-1 inhibition.

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Drugs used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and lower fever by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.

Glucocorticoids

A type of corticosteroid that prevents or suppresses inflammation and immune responses.

Mechanism of action of NSAIDs

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) which leads to decreased synthesis of pain and inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins.

Adverse effects of Corticosteroids

Include bone thinning (osteoporosis), risk of infection, weight gain, and mood swings.

Prednisone pharmacokinetics

Prednisone is rapidly absorbed and metabolized to its active form, prednisolone, with significant distribution in various body systems.

Selective COX-2 Inhibitors

A subclass of NSAIDs that selectively block the COX-2 enzyme to reduce inflammation while sparing COX-1, aiming to decrease gastrointestinal side effects.