Prostaglandin
Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that function like hormones in the body, influencing a broad range of physiological processes. They belong to the group of eicosanoids, and they have local effects on the tissues where they are produced. Several types of prostaglandins exist, each playing unique roles in blood pressure regulation, smooth muscle contraction, inflammation, pain perception, and more. Some prostaglandins are also studied as potential biomarkers for cancer.[1]
Biosynthesis of Prostaglandins[edit | edit source]
Prostaglandins are synthesized in the body from arachidonic acid, a type of fatty acid, through the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. The COX enzymes, namely COX-1 and COX-2, facilitate the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H2, the precursor of other prostaglandins.[2]
Functions of Prostaglandins[edit | edit source]
Prostaglandins have diverse functions depending on their type and location in the body:
Regulation of Blood Pressure[edit | edit source]
Prostaglandins such as PGI2 (prostacyclin) and PGE2 have vasodilatory effects, aiding in the regulation of blood pressure.
Contraction of Smooth Muscles[edit | edit source]
Prostaglandins can induce contractions in smooth muscle tissues. For instance, PGE2 and PGF2α are involved in uterine contractions during labor.
Inflammatory Response[edit | edit source]
Prostaglandins, notably PGE2, are involved in inflammation and pain signaling. They enhance the sensitivity of pain receptors and mediate fever response.
Prostaglandins and Cancer[edit | edit source]
Certain prostaglandins, especially PGE2, have been associated with cancer progression. High levels of PGE2 can promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion, hence its role as a potential cancer biomarker.[3]
Inhibition of Prostaglandin Synthesis[edit | edit source]
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin inhibit the COX enzymes, reducing prostaglandin production. This underlies the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of NSAIDs.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
| Prostaglandin Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
