Biologically active lipids
Prostaglandins:
Physiological Effects:
1. Inflammation: Prostaglandins, particularly PGE2, play a central role in mediating
inflammation. They contribute to vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and
the recruitment of immune cells to sites of injury or infection.
2. Fever: PGE2 acts on the hypothalamus to raise body temperature, leading to fever in
response to infection or other inflammatory conditions.
3. Gastrointestinal Protection: Prostaglandins, especially PGE2, help maintain the
integrity of the gastric mucosa by promoting mucus production and reducing acid
secretion. This helps protect the stomach lining from damage and ulcers.
4. Platelet Aggregation and Blood Clotting: Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) promotes platelet
aggregation and vasoconstriction, contributing to blood clotting and wound healing.
Pathophysiological Effects:
1. Pain and Inflammation: Excessive prostaglandin production can lead to chronic pain
and inflammation, as seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
2. Gastric Ulcers: Reduced prostaglandin production in the stomach can lead to
decreased protective mechanisms, potentially leading to gastric ulcers.
3. Cardiovascular Effects: Thromboxane A2-mediated platelet aggregation can
contribute to the formation of blood clots, potentially leading to cardiovascular
events like heart attacks or strokes.
4. Bronchoconstriction: Prostaglandins, particularly PGF2α, can contribute to
bronchoconstriction and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Leukotrienes:
Physiological Effects:
1. Inflammation: Leukotrienes, especially leukotriene B4 (LTB4), attract and activate
immune cells, promoting inflammation and immune responses at sites of injury or
infection.
Prostaglandins:
Physiological Effects:
1. Inflammation: Prostaglandins, particularly PGE2, play a central role in mediating
inflammation. They contribute to vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and
the recruitment of immune cells to sites of injury or infection.
2. Fever: PGE2 acts on the hypothalamus to raise body temperature, leading to fever in
response to infection or other inflammatory conditions.
3. Gastrointestinal Protection: Prostaglandins, especially PGE2, help maintain the
integrity of the gastric mucosa by promoting mucus production and reducing acid
secretion. This helps protect the stomach lining from damage and ulcers.
4. Platelet Aggregation and Blood Clotting: Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) promotes platelet
aggregation and vasoconstriction, contributing to blood clotting and wound healing.
Pathophysiological Effects:
1. Pain and Inflammation: Excessive prostaglandin production can lead to chronic pain
and inflammation, as seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
2. Gastric Ulcers: Reduced prostaglandin production in the stomach can lead to
decreased protective mechanisms, potentially leading to gastric ulcers.
3. Cardiovascular Effects: Thromboxane A2-mediated platelet aggregation can
contribute to the formation of blood clots, potentially leading to cardiovascular
events like heart attacks or strokes.
4. Bronchoconstriction: Prostaglandins, particularly PGF2α, can contribute to
bronchoconstriction and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Leukotrienes:
Physiological Effects:
1. Inflammation: Leukotrienes, especially leukotriene B4 (LTB4), attract and activate
immune cells, promoting inflammation and immune responses at sites of injury or
infection.
