What is the Origin of Anti-Inflammatory Responses?

The phrase is built from the prefix "anti-," meaning "against," and "inflammatory," relating to the Latin inflammare, "to set on fire." Response comes from the Latin respondere, meaning "to answer." Clinically, this refers to the resolution phase of the immune system's protective action.

What is the Mechanism of Anti-Inflammatory Responses?

Anti-inflammatory responses are mediated by specialized pro-resolving mediators and counter-regulatory hormones like cortisol and certain sex steroids. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid, suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine production by immune cells, effectively dampening the immune reaction. The resolution phase involves the clearance of cellular debris and the cessation of leukocyte recruitment, facilitating tissue repair and regeneration.

Anti-Inflammatory Responses ∞ Area

Anti-Inflammatory Responses

Meaning

These represent the body’s essential physiological processes that actively work to suppress, resolve, and terminate the acute inflammatory state. Effective anti-inflammatory responses are critical for restoring tissue homeostasis and preventing the transition to chronic, damaging inflammation. Hormonal health is deeply intertwined with these responses, as several hormones directly influence the immune system’s regulatory pathways.