NSAIDs and Their Effects on the Body

NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, inhibit inflammation, pain, and fever by blocking prostaglandin synthesis through COX enzymes. COX-1 is always active, maintaining gastric mucosa and renal perfusion, while COX-2 is inducible, promoting inflammation and pain. Different NSAIDs vary in their inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2, affecting their clinical use and side effects. Aspirin primarily inhibits COX-1, while ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen inhibit both. COX-2 specific inhibitors, like coxibs, are effective anti-inflammatories but may increase cardiovascular risk.

What is the primary function of NSAIDs?

• To enhance pain sensation

• To increase fever

• To inhibit inflammation, pain, and fever

• To promote inflammation

Which enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins?

• Lipase

• Amylase

• COX

• Protease

What role do COX-1 enzymes play in the body?

• They are not involved in housekeeping roles

• They are only activated during tissue damage

• They inhibit platelet production

• They help maintain gastric mucosa and renal perfusion

How are COX-2 enzymes activated?

• By maintaining gastric mucosa

• By tissue damage

• They are always active

• By inhibiting renal perfusion

Which NSAID is primarily a COX-1 inhibitor?

• Ibuprofen

• Aspirin

• Diclofenac

• Naproxen

What is the characteristic of COX-2 specific inhibitors?

• They inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 equally

• They are primarily COX-1 inhibitors

• They do not inhibit any COX enzymes

• They specifically inhibit COX-2

What is a potential side effect of NSAIDs on the gastric mucosa?

• Increased likelihood of bleeds and ulcers

• No effect on the stomach

• Enhanced gastric protection

• Improved digestion

Why might NSAIDs affect renal perfusion?

• They cause blood vessels to dilate

• They enhance blood flow to the kidneys

• They cause blood vessels to constrict

• They have no effect on renal perfusion

What is a reason for using low-dose aspirin in cardiovascular disease?

• To increase platelet production

• To reduce fever

• To enhance inflammation

• To stop platelet production

What is a potential issue with COX-2 specific inhibitors in cardiovascular health?

• They decrease platelet production

• They increase platelet production

• They have no effect on platelets

• They reduce inflammation