Which class of medications inhibits Phospholipase A2?

The class of medications that inhibits Phospholipase A2 is steroids. This mechanism is significant because Phospholipase A2 plays a crucial role in the inflammatory process by catalyzing the release of arachidonic acid from cell membrane phospholipids. Arachidonic acid is a precursor for various pro-inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Steroids, or corticosteroids, exert their anti-inflammatory effects primarily through the inhibition of Phospholipase A2. By doing so, they decrease the production of these inflammatory mediators, leading to reduced inflammation and immune response. This is why steroids are commonly used in the treatment of various conditions characterized by excessive inflammation, such as asthma, allergies, and autoimmune disorders.

While antihistamines primarily block histamine receptors to alleviate allergic symptoms, beta-blockers are primarily used to manage cardiovascular conditions and do not have a direct impact on phospholipase activity. Antibiotics target bacterial infections and do not have a role in modulating phospholipase or inflammatory pathways. Therefore, steroids are the specific class of medications that effectively inhibit Phospholipase A2, thereby influencing the inflammatory response.