A 45-year-old woman has been suffering from mild form of systemic lupus erythematosus for the past several years. As her disease progressed, she was prescribed prednisolone as an immunosuppressant. After two months of treatment, the patient developed gastric bleeding. What is the most likely cause of the bleeding in this case?

• A. Ulcerogenic effect of corticosteroids
• B. Decreased blood coagulation
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Further progression of the disease
• E. Platelet deficiency