What is the main MOA of Corticosteroids?

What is the main MOA of Corticosteroids?

• A. Inhibit Phospholipase A2
• B. Inhibit COX-2
• C. Block histamine receptors
• D. Stimulate cAMP production

Answer: (A)

Corticosteroids work mainly by blocking the release of inflammatory mediators at their source. They do this by inducing a protein called lipocortin-1 (annexin A1), which inhibits phospholipase A2. When phospholipase A2 is inhibited, phospholipids in cell membranes aren’t converted to arachidonic acid, so the downstream production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes—key drivers of inflammation—is greatly reduced. This central action underpins their strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Other options describe mechanisms used by different drug classes: directly inhibiting COX-2 is how many NSAIDs work, blocking histamine receptors targets antihistamines, and stimulating cAMP production is typical of certain bronchodilators or other signaling pathways, not the primary action of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids don’t act chiefly by these routes.

Corticosteroids work mainly by blocking the release of inflammatory mediators at their source. They do this by inducing a protein called lipocortin-1 (annexin A1), which inhibits phospholipase A2. When phospholipase A2 is inhibited, phospholipids in cell membranes aren’t converted to arachidonic acid, so the downstream production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes—key drivers of inflammation—is greatly reduced. This central action underpins their strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Other options describe mechanisms used by different drug classes: directly inhibiting COX-2 is how many NSAIDs work, blocking histamine receptors targets antihistamines, and stimulating cAMP production is typical of certain bronchodilators or other signaling pathways, not the primary action of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids don’t act chiefly by these routes.