system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 25-year-old man presents with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. His symptoms have been recurrent for the past few months, and, currently, he says he is having on average four bowel movements daily, often bloody. He describes the pain as cramping and localized to the left side of his abdomen. He also says that he has lost around 4.5 kg (10 lb) over the past 3 months. There is no other significant past medical history and the patient is not on current medications. His temperature is 37.7° C (100.0° F), pulse rate is 100/min, respiratory rate is 18/min, and blood pressure is 123/85 mm Hg. On physical examination, there is mild tenderness to palpation in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen with no rebound or guarding. Laboratory studies show anemia and thrombocytosis. Colonoscopy is performed, which confirms the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC). What is the mechanism of action of the recommended first-line medication for the treatment of this patient’s condition?
assistant
Inhibition of leukotriene synthesis and lipoxygenase