Inflammatory Mediators

Inflammatory Mediators

Chemical substances that regulate inflammatory responses.

Major Classes

• Cytokines

  • TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 (pro-inflammatory)

  • IL-10, TGF-β (anti-inflammatory)

• Eicosanoids

  • Prostaglandins (PGE2, PGI2)

  • Leukotrienes (LTB4, LTC4)

  • Thromboxane A2

• Chemokines

  • Direct leukocyte migration (IL-8)

Drug Targets: NSAIDs inhibit COX enzymes (prostaglandin synthesis). Corticosteroids suppress multiple inflammatory pathways.