agent (Figure 15.1). Therefore, in.fiammati,on is essentially a fast and effective defence mechanism of our body against the aggression produced by the infectious agent. An exaccrbatcd inflammatory response, however, could have harmful effects far our body. Several pathologies are linked to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. As an example, when irifi,ammation takes place at the lungs it promotes a severe respiratory insufficiency which may be life threatening. Other pathologies may also be related to an inflammatory response despite not having a direct link. Far instance, the at/zeroma plLlques in blood vessels are produced by a local vascular inflammatory response induced by low density lipoproteins and the accumulation of attracted leukoryt,es. When these plaques break away they can promote t/zrombus formation with the concomitant cardiovascular risk. Infectious agents e idermis Gap in the skin (wound) ---Entry of infectious agents e idermis dermis © ---- * © ©* * - * � c�emical si � als from m1croorgamsms © * © © ..______ Leukocytes from other areas molecules which attract �© other kukocytes V �..._,._,, © _, Blood vessel Fig 15. 1. The inflammatory response. 15.3. Anti-inflammatories and immunomodulators Anti-inflammatories are the drugs of choice far inflammatory process-related pathologies. The most common are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofcn, and the steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, or glucocorticoids, which are the most powerful. Corticost,erone, prednisone, and dexamet/zasone are included in the latter group. Long-term administration and high dosage of anti-inflammatories can promote harmful secondary effects because inflammatory response inhibition increases susceptibility to an infection from pathogen microorganisms.
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