Which statement about corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory effects is true?

Which statement about corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory effects is true?

• A. They do not affect immune function.
• B. They are immunosuppressive in addition to anti-inflammatory effects.
• C. They only affect inflammation, not immune cells.
• D. They are contraindicated in all infections.

Answer: (B)

Corticosteroids have both anti-inflammatory actions and immunosuppressive effects, all driven by glucocorticoid receptor signaling. They dampen inflammation by reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes (for example, lowering IL-1, IL-6, TNF and COX-2 activity) and by hindering inflammatory cell functions. At the same time, they suppress the immune system by decreasing lymphocyte proliferation and activation, impairing macrophage and antigen-presenting cell function, and reducing antibody responses. This combination means they are immunosuppressive in addition to their anti-inflammatory effects, which is why that statement is true. The other options are inaccurate because corticosteroids do affect immune function, they do not act solely on inflammation, and they are not universally contraindicated in all infections—they are used with caution and appropriate management in some infectious contexts.

Corticosteroids have both anti-inflammatory actions and immunosuppressive effects, all driven by glucocorticoid receptor signaling. They dampen inflammation by reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes (for example, lowering IL-1, IL-6, TNF and COX-2 activity) and by hindering inflammatory cell functions. At the same time, they suppress the immune system by decreasing lymphocyte proliferation and activation, impairing macrophage and antigen-presenting cell function, and reducing antibody responses. This combination means they are immunosuppressive in addition to their anti-inflammatory effects, which is why that statement is true. The other options are inaccurate because corticosteroids do affect immune function, they do not act solely on inflammation, and they are not universally contraindicated in all infections—they are used with caution and appropriate management in some infectious contexts.