Sune Bergström

Sune Karl Bergström (10 January 1916 – 15 August 2004) was a Swedish biochemist who, along with Bengt I. Samuelsson and John R. Vane, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1982 for their discoveries concerning prostaglandins and related biologically active substances. Bergström's work laid the foundation for later research on the role of these substances in inflammation, blood flow, and the formation of blood clots. Born in Stockholm, Bergström pursued his higher education at the Karolinska Institute, where he received his medical degree in 1943 and his doctorate in 1944. His early research focused on lipids and their role in the human body. This interest led him to the study of prostaglandins, a group of physiologically active lipid compounds that have diverse hormone-like effects in animals. Bergström's significant contribution to science was his isolation and identification of the molecular structure of prostaglandins. He demonstrated that these substances were derived from fatty acids and played a crucial role in various physiological processes, such as contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, and the modulation of inflammation. Throughout his career, Bergström held several prestigious positions, including the chair of the Department of Biochemistry at the Karolinska Institute and the presidency of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. He was also a member of numerous international scientific societies and received several awards and honors in addition to the Nobel Prize. Bergström's work has had a lasting impact on the field of medicine, particularly in the understanding and treatment of diseases related to inflammation and blood circulation. His research on prostaglandins has opened new avenues for the development of drugs to treat various conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.