Prostaglandin (PG)

Prostaglandins are a group of physiologically active lipid compounds derived enzymatically from arachidonic acid, a 20-carbon fatty acid. They are synthesized in nearly all tissues and exert diverse and potent hormone-like effects, including the regulation of inflammation, pain, vascular tone, platelet function, immune responses, and cell growth. Prostaglandins mediate their biological activities via specific G protein-coupled receptors (such as EP, DP, FP, IP, and TP subtypes), and their biosynthesis is catalyzed by cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. Clinical agents (NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, prostaglandin analogs) act either by inhibiting their biosynthesis or by mimicking/inhibiting specific prostaglandin-receptor interactions. While not themselves canonical drug targets, their metabolic and signaling pathways are central therapeutic nodes in many diseases.

Other names

PGsprostanoids

Not applicable for prostaglandins themselves, but drugs affecting them include: Inhibition of biosynthesis (e.g., COX inhibitors such as NSAIDs, blocking prostaglandin formation); Agonism or antagonism at prostaglandin receptors (e.g., EP2 agonists or antagonists for pain or inflammation); Use of prostaglandin analogs to stimulate or inhibit specific pathways (e.g., misoprostol for gastric protection)