Final answer:
True, aspirin relieves pain, inflammation, and fever by blocking the production of prostaglandins through the irreversible inhibition of COX enzymes.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: Aspirin alleviates pain, inflammation, and fever by inhibiting prostaglandins.
As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), aspirin functions by targeting and inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes play a critical role in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are compounds that contribute significantly to pain, inflammation, and fever. Aspirin blocks the enzyme's active site through the transfer of an acetyl group, preventing arachidonic acid from entering and thus stopping the synthesis of prostaglandins.
While this action effectively reduces symptoms such as pain and fever, it must be noted that long-term use of NSAIDs including aspirin can lead to potential side effects like gastrointestinal issues, liver damage, and kidney disease. Moreover, while aspirin can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis responsible for unwanted blood clotting in coronary diseases, it can also cause increased bleeding if there is an injury during its usage. Unlike some other NSAIDs, aspirin's effects are irreversible, meaning once it has modified the COX enzymes, they remain inhibited for the duration of the cell's life.