A 45-year-old woman has been suffering from a mild form of systemic lupus erythematosus for the last several years. When the disease progressed (the patient developed myocarditis), the woman was prescribed prednisolone as an immunosuppressant. After two months of taking it, the patient developed gastric bleeding. What is the most likely cause of the bleeding in this case?

• A. Ulcerogenic effect of corticosteroids
• B. Further progression of the disease
• C. Decreased platelet count
• D. Coagulopathy
• E. Increased blood pressure