Inflammation/inflammatory mechanisms

Another important group of agents is characterized as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). They decrease inflammation, usually improve symptoms, and slow the bone damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis. They are thought to affect more basic inflammatory mechanisms than do glucocorticoids or the NSAIDs. They may also be more toxic than those alternative medications. 

The cause fc>r corneal changes is multifactorial. These include a mechanical component, from the giant palpebral papillae conjimctival inflammation inflammatory toxins and an ocular surfece component (i.e., dry eyes). 

Preliminary studies have shown evidence of red raspberry effects against intestinal pathogens and inflammatory mechanisms. These properties have been ascribed to the anthocyanin content, particularly the numerous cyanidin glycosides and ellagitannins, which are strongly linked to inhibiting mechanisms that initiate inflammation. 

G. Ren, O. Dewald and N.G. Frangogiannis, Inflammatory mechanisms in myocardial infarction, Curr Drug Targets Inflamm Allergy 2, 242-256 (2003). 

Inflammation is a local protective response to infection or injury whereby cells and proteins in the blood enter to remove the pathogens and repair the damaged tissue. Edema, redness, pain, and heat are the four cardinal symptoms of inflammation. Extent of reactions is determined by inflammatory mechanisms mediated by serum protein or cellular systems. Serum protein systems include complement, coagulation, fibrinolysis, and kinin cellular systems include PMN cells, mast cells, platelets, eosinophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, and reticuloendothelial system. Insufficient responses result in immunodeficiency leading to cancer and infections excessive responses are the cause of a number of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer s disease (Tracey, 2002). 

Libby, P. Inflammatory mechanisms the molecular basis of inflammation and disease. Nutr Rev 65 (2007) S140-S146. 

The anti-inflammatory mechanism of the NSAIDs is principally related to any or all of the following three factors the inhibition of different enzymes implicated in the arachidonic acid metabolism, the modification of the effects of relevant mediators, and the inhibition of the tissue damage produced by free radicals. It is thought that the phenomenon of overexpression of the enzymes implicated in inflammation may be avoided by the effect of apoptotic mechanisms on inflammatory cells. The role of eicosanoids and NSAIDs, with either a positive or negative... 

Turmeric has been used for the treatment of inflammation for thousands of years in Asian countries. The active constituents were found to be curcuminoids, including curcumin as well as its two natural analogs, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin [7], Demethoxycurcumin showed the most potent anti-inflammatory activity among these three natural curcuminoids [8]. According to present studies, curcumin acts by diverse anti-inflammatory mechanisms and at several sites along the inflammation pathway, which are summarized in Fig. (3) [9]. 

Inflamtuation and inflammatory mechanisms are now known to be cmtial to many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, Alzhdmer s disease, osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes, which affect individuals in their mid-to-late years. Although inflammation-associated disease manifests itself later in life, inflanunation can start much earlier and continue for many years without producing symptoms in the body. The inflammation association with coimnon chronic disease has been most extensively developed for cardiovascular disease. 

The polychaetes are almost exclusively marine, and the number of species is estimated at 10000. There has been much work on their primary and secondary metabolites. The numerous bristles serve as a means of locomotion, and for species of the family Amphinomidae, as defense organs that can inject venom at the slightest touch. Thus, the bristleworm Eurythoe complanata (marine fire-worm ), foimd in all tropical waters, secretes the quaternary ammonium salt complanine, which may produce the skin inflammation that occurs on physical contact with the worm (Nakamura et al, 2008). This inflammatory mechanism appears similar to that of Dogger Bank itch which is provoked by a sulfoxonium salt produced by a bryozoan (see Chapter 22). Later on, two new related compotmds, neocomplanines A and B were isolated from the same organism (Nakamura et al, 2010). 

Aspirin and other NSAIDs function by blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that carry out the body s synthesis of prostaglandins (Sections 7.11 and 27.4). There are two forms of the enzyme, COX-1, which carries out the normal physiological production of prostaglandins, and COX-2, which mediates the body s response to arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes are blocked by aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs, thereby shutting down not only tire response to inflammation but also various protective functions, including the control mechanism for production of acid in the stomach. 

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