Biochemistry, The Molecular Basis of Life, 6th Edition
Biochemistry, The Molecular Basis of Life, 6th Edition
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780190259204
Author: Trudy McKee, James R. McKee
Publisher: Oxford University Press
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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
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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.

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Biochemistry, The Molecular Basis of Life, 6th Edition

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