Prostaglandins: Versatile Bioactive Lipids in...

Prostaglandins: Versatile Bioactive Lipids in Health and Disease

Author Name : Uma Dharamraj Yadav

ABSTRACT Prostaglandins are autacoids or autocoids are biological factors which act like local hormones, have a brief duration, and act near their site of biosynthesis rived from arachidonic acid. They both sustain homeostatic functions and mediate pathogenic mechanisms, including the inflammatory response. They are generated from arachidonate by the action of cyclooxygenase (COX) isoenzymes and their biosynthesis is blocked by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including those selective for inhibition of COX-2. Despite the clinical efficacy of NSAIDs, prostaglandins may function in both the promotion and resolution of inflammation. Prostaglandins are hormonelike substances that affect different bodily functions, including inflammation, pain and uterine contractions. This review summarizes insights into the mechanisms of prostaglandin generation and the roles of individual mediators and their receptors in modulating the inflammatory response. Prostaglandin biology has potential clinical relevance for atherosclerosis, the response to vascular injury and aortic aneurysm.