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The role of prostaglandins in allergic lung inflammation and asthma.


AUTHORS

Claar D , Hartert TV , Peebles RS , . Expert review of respiratory medicine. 2014 12 26; (). 1-18

ABSTRACT

Prostaglandins (PGs) are products of the COX pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism. There are five primary PGs, PGD2, PGE2, PGF2, PGI2 and thromboxane A2, all of which signal through distinct seven transmembrane, G-protein coupled receptors. Some PGs may counteract the actions of others, or even the same PG may have opposing physiologic or immunologic effects, depending on the specific receptor through which it signals. In this review, we examine the effects of COX activity and the various PGs on allergic airway inflammation and physiology that is associated with asthma. We also highlight the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting PGs in allergic lung inflammation and asthma based on basic science, animal model and human studies.


Prostaglandins (PGs) are products of the COX pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism. There are five primary PGs, PGD2, PGE2, PGF2, PGI2 and thromboxane A2, all of which signal through distinct seven transmembrane, G-protein coupled receptors. Some PGs may counteract the actions of others, or even the same PG may have opposing physiologic or immunologic effects, depending on the specific receptor through which it signals. In this review, we examine the effects of COX activity and the various PGs on allergic airway inflammation and physiology that is associated with asthma. We also highlight the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting PGs in allergic lung inflammation and asthma based on basic science, animal model and human studies.


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