Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life
Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780190209896
Author: Trudy McKee, James R. McKee
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 11, Problem 1Q
Summary Introduction

To review:

The effects of the aspirin and steroids on the metabolism of the eicosanoids and their relevance in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The difference between the effectiveness of aspirin and steroids in treating inflammation.

Introduction:

Aspirin is also known as the acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). It is a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). It functions as antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory molecule. The steroids are a class of organic compounds havingfour rings of carbon in theirmolecular structure. The examples of steroid include vitamin, slkaloids, and hormones.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The rheumatoid arthritis is a diseased condition thatis characterized by the inflammation of joints. It is a type of the autoimmune disease, in which autoantibodies are produced against the body’s own cells. Thetreatment of rheumatoid arthritis is done by administration of aspirin or steroids that are used to suppress the pain and inflammation.

The mode of action ofaspirin includes the suppression of inflammation and pain. It is known to block the enzymeprostaglandin synthase, which converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The steroids have the different mechanism to suppress the inflammation. In the macrophages, these steroids inhibit the phospholipase A2 that is used in the production of the arachidonic acid.

The steroid blocks the phospholipase A2, which is the precursor of arachidonic acid. The aspirin blocks the process in which arachidonic acid is converted to prostaglandins. Thus, they both help in suppressing the inflammation induced by the prostaglandin, a type of eicosanoids, but the steroids are more effective as they show immediate effects but should be administered only in severe cases because of their sideeffects.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that the steroids and the aspirin block the pathway used in the synthesis of theprostaglandins in the body and help in the suppression of inflammation. The difference between the two is that the steroid blocks the synthesis of the phospholipase A2. As a result, arachidonic acid is not synthesize, dhich is the starting precursors for other eicosanoids. While the aspirin blocks the subsequent steps used in the production of mediators of inflammation.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Show work. don't give Ai generated solution....give correct solution
Biochemistry What is the process of "transamination" in either the muscles or the liver, that involves keto acid or glutamic acid? Please explain how the steps work. Thank you!
Biochemistry Please help. Thank you What is the importance of glutamic acid in the metabolism of nitrogen from amino acids? (we know therole; it’s used to remove the nitrogen from amino acids so that the remaining carbon skeleton can bebroken down by the “usual” pathways, but what is the important, unique role that only glutamicacid/glutamate can do?)

Chapter 11 Solutions

Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
Biology
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...
Biology
ISBN:9781305251052
Author:Michael Cummings
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Basic Clinical Laboratory Techniques 6E
Biology
ISBN:9781133893943
Author:ESTRIDGE
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax