Which of the following inflammatory mediators are NOT inhibited by NSAIDs?

The correct answer is that leukotrienes are not inhibited by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs work primarily by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and thromboxanes.

Prostaglandins, which play a crucial role in mediating inflammation, pain, and fever, are directly affected by NSAIDs, making option A incorrect. Similarly, COX-1, being one of the main targets of NSAIDs, is also inhibited by these drugs, so option B is incorrect as well. Thromboxanes, which are derived from prostaglandins through the action of COX enzymes, are also inhibited with NSAID use. This means that thromboxane activity, particularly in platelets, is reduced by NSAIDs and thus option C is incorrect.

Leukotrienes, however, are produced via a different pathway, specifically through the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. Since NSAIDs do not target the lipoxygenase enzyme or affect leukotriene production, they do not inhibit the action or synthesis of leukotrienes, making