Prostaglandin and bradykinin-related inflammatory pathways

The prostaglandin and bradykinin-related inflammatory pathways constitute a complex signaling network that coordinates the body's response to injury and infection. Prostaglandins are eicosanoid lipid mediators produced from arachidonic acid by the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are critical for inducing pain, fever, and vasodilation (StatPearls, 2023). Bradykinin is a potent inflammatory nonapeptide generated through the kallikrein-kinin system that increases vascular permeability and sensitizes nociceptors (NCBI, 2022). These pathways are intrinsically linked, as bradykinin acts on its receptors to stimulate the release of prostaglandins, thereby amplifying the overall inflammatory and pain response (PubMed, 1992). Clinically, these pathways are targeted by a wide range of drugs, most notably nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which inhibit COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis. Additionally, specific inhibitors of the kallikrein-kinin system, such as icatibant or lanadelumab, are used to treat disorders like hereditary angioedema where bradykinin levels are pathologically elevated (NIH, 2023). Because this term encompasses multiple distinct enzymes and receptors rather than a single molecular entity, it is characterized as a biological pathway rather than a discrete therapeutic target.

Other names

Kallikrein-kinin systemArachidonic acid cascadeEicosanoid signaling pathway

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to prevent prostaglandin synthesis; antagonism of bradykinin B2 receptors or inhibition of plasma kallikrein to reduce bradykinin-mediated effects.