Which of the following are inflammatory mediators?

• A. Cytokines, Prostaglandins, Interleukins
• B. Hormones, Enzymes, Antibodies
• C. Neurotransmitters, Vitamins, Minerals
• D. Growth Factors, Kinases, Lipids

Answer: (A)

Inflammation is driven by chemical signals that coordinate the immune response. Cytokines are a broad group of signaling proteins released by immune and resident cells that orchestrate the recruitment and activation of other immune cells. Interleukins are a subset of cytokines that particularly modulate communication between white blood cells to promote or regulate inflammation. Prostaglandins are lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid that cause vasodilation, increase vascular permeability, and contribute to fever and pain—classic features of inflammation. Together, these signals are typified as inflammatory mediators because they directly regulate the intensity and progression of the inflammatory response.

Other options include components that influence inflammation but are not the primary messenger signals: hormones, enzymes, antibodies, neurotransmitters, vitamins, minerals, growth factors, kinases, and lipids cover broad physiological roles beyond the specific signaling molecules that drive acute inflammatory processes.