Prostaglandins: main varieties and functions

Prostaglandins are powerful hormones that perform a wide variety of functions in the human body, primarily controlling the immune response. They are protective in some concentrations, but in excess they can cause chronic disorders and diseases, including migraine, painful menstruation and cancer.

Controlling the level of prostaglandins allows you to regulate the manifestations of many diseases, the severity of the pain syndrome and the inflammatory response. Read more on estet-portal.com, how prostaglandins affect human health and well-being.

What are prostaglandins

Unlike most hormones, prostaglandins are not produced by glands, they are synthesized in various tissues and have a strong local effect.

Prostaglandins were first isolated from semen by the Swedish pharmacologist Ulf von Euler in 1935.

The name prostaglandins comes from the fact that they were originally thought to be produced by the prostate gland.

Prostaglandins affect many processes in the body, namely:

•    increase/reduce inflammation;

•    constrict or dilate blood vessels;

•    stimulate childbirth;

•    increase mucus secretion.

Having a local effect on tissues, prostaglandins regulate a huge number of the most important processes, acting at the level of all organs and systems.

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Main features of prostaglandin synthesis

Prostaglandins are made from arachidonic acid. When it is released from cells, it is converted to prostaglandin H2 (the precursor of all four primary prostaglandins) by one of two enzymes:

•    cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). This enzyme maintains basal (minimum) levels of prostaglandins, which are essential for intestinal protection;

•    cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). This enzyme raises prostaglandin levels during acute inflammation such as infection or injury.

Prostaglandins help to increase the concentration of cAMP, calcium ions and activate G-proteins inside cells that are involved in energy transfer.

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The main types of prostaglandins and their functions

Although the body produces many types of prostaglandins, there are four main types:

Prostaglandin E2:

•    participates in general immunity and signaling to immune cells;

•    lowers blood pressure;

•    causes uterine contractions;

•    protects the intestines.

Prostacyclin I2:

•    dilates blood vessels;

•    lowers blood pressure;

•    reduces curling;

•    inhibits the adhesion of leukocytes to the walls of blood vessels, which reduces the activity of the immune system.

Prostaglandin D2:

•    promotes sleep;

•    regulates the perception of pain;

•    increases/reduces inflammation and allergies.

Prostaglandin F2α:

•    increases the feeling of pain;

•    increases calcium absorption by cells;

•    important for fertility;

•    participates in the regulation of kidney function.

Prostaglandins can have both a positive effect on the human body and suppress its defenses.

A deeper understanding of the work of prostaglandins can be a serious step in the fight against many diseases and pathological processes.

Read also: What substances deficiency provokes the development of premenstrual syndrome