What is prostaglandin synthesis?

Prostaglandin synthesis refers to the production of lipid compounds in some animal cells, including humans These substances are chemical messengers that mediate biological processes, such as inflammation, and are important for the normal function of many tissues Specific enzymes catalyze the synthesis of prostaglandins by a series of metabolic reactions that transform fatty acids into final bioactive products Aspirin and other drugs can prevent prostaglandin synthesis, and therefore reduce pain and inflammation In many animal tissues, prostaglandin functions, such as cell signaling molecules, can transmit temperature signals to pain neurons to the brain These lipid compounds can be divided into three subtypes, which together constitute arachidonic acids When one of these compounds is needed, prostaglandin synthesis takes place within the cell, but is not stored in specific units like important biomolecules Due to the different effects on neurons, muscles and epithelial cells, prostaglandins are almost always continuously synthesized in the body When cyclooxygenase is released, prostaglandin synthesis begins by oxidation of fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acids Fatty acids themselves come from the same sources as the lipids that make up the cell membrane Oxidation alters their basic structure to meet prostaglandin needs COX-1 is an enzyme responsible for maintaining normal prostaglandin levels in the body, while COX-2 regulates synthesis in the event of tissue damage or infection Synthesis occurs in almost every cell type, with the exception of leukocytes and denucleated cells When any tissue damage occurs, different immune cells move to these points This cell response process induces the release of COX-2, which leads to prostaglandin synthesis in the damaged part of the body Prostaglandins cause an inflammatory response that leads to fever and limits infection and tissue loss Others regulate the clotting mechanism, whether or not thrombus is formed Prostaglandins, called pge-2, can also affect changes in the uterus and are often used to induce labor or miscarriage Aspirin is one of many chemicals that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis Both COX-1 and COX-2 can be inhibited by aspirin to prevent the oxidation of arachidonic acid needed for synthesis By blocking enzyme activity, aspirin can stop inflammatory pathways and reduce fever associated with pain, because they all weaken without the influence of prostaglandins Like ibuprofen, aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug Unlike steroids such as cortisone, NSAIDs block prostaglandin production rather than treat its effects.