—Brainy Route To Prostaglandins “Pathway produces prostaglandins differently in the brain than elsewhere in the body” Prostaglandins are produced via a different pathway in the brain than elsewhere in the body, scientists report (Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.1209200). These inflammation mediators are made by cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes using arachidonic acid as a precursor.
by Celia Henry Arnaud | October 24, 2011
—Faster Route To Prostaglandins “Organic Synthesis: Shortened synthetic sequence could lead to less expensive drugs, novel analogs” A seven-step synthesis of prostaglandin PGF2α, the most complex structure in the prostaglandin family, has been reported by chemists at the University of Bristol, in England (Nature, DOI: 10.1038/nature11411). The abbreviated synthetic sequence could cut the cost of making prostaglandin-based drugs and give chemists a new approach for preparing potentially therapeutic prostaglandin analogs. Prostaglandins play a role in numerous biological processes, including sleep, pain, fever, inflammation, menstruation, birth, constriction of blood vessels, and blood clotting.
by Bethany Halford | August 16, 2012
—Enzyme Inhibitor Helps Tissue Heal In Mice “Drug Discovery: Small molecule blocks the breakdown of key prostaglandin to promote cell proliferation” A newly identified small molecule increases the rate of tissue regeneration in the colon, liver, and bone marrow of mice. With further testing and development, such a compound could lead to therapies that would help patients heal tissues damaged by disease or excised through surgery. In previous studies on animals or patients, scientists have tried to accelerate tissue and blood cell growth by administering analogs of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a lipid that promotes regeneration by initiating signals that cause stem cells to proliferate. They’ve also administered agents that stimulate PGE2 signaling and treated stem cells with PGE2 analogs before injecting them into patients.
by Stu Borman | June 11, 2015
The researchers note that the enzyme plays a role in the degradation of prostaglandins, which are important lipid messenger molecules that can also be involved in certain colon cancers. Aspirin appears to reduce prostaglandin levels by inhibiting the activity of another enzyme involved in prostaglandin synthesis.
by Sarah Everts | April 28, 2014
The chemists used the new reaction to prepare more than 60 different olefins, including the prostaglandin (+)-PFG2α (shown; red bonds made via decarboxylative alkenylation). /articles/95/i17/Forging-olefins-via-decarboxylation.html 20170424 New reaction takes advantage of plentiful carboxylic acid starting materials and sidesteps olefin geometry problems Concentrates 95 17 /magazine/95/09517.html Forging olefins via decarboxylation synthesis, decarboxylative alkenylation, carboxylic acid, alkenyl zinc con scitech Bethany Halford synthesis A structure of the prostaglandin (+)-PFG╩2α╩. prostaglandin Forging olefins via decarboxylation Chemical & Engineering News Forging olefins via decarboxylation Forging olefins via decarboxylation
by Bethany Halford | April 24, 2017
Rodeo’s lead compound is a small-molecule inhibitor of the prostaglandin-degrading enzyme 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). Amgen says the compound could treat several diseases, including inflammatory conditions. Researchers have found that inhibiting 15-PGDH in animals promotes tissue repair, protects against colitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and helps rebuild blood stem cell populations after bone marrow transplantation.
by Ryan Cross | April 03, 2021
She and her colleagues found that levels of the lipid signaling molecule prostaglandin E2 skyrocketed, correlating with severe inflammation and pulmonary edema in the animals. The role of prostaglandin E2 in the deadly reaction made Faccioli suspect that common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which reduce overall prostaglandin levels in the body, could control the inflammation caused by the scorpion venom.
by Sarah Everts | February 24, 2016
The receptor, EP3, is one of four for prostaglandin E2. This prostaglandin is known to soften the cervix and cause uterine contraction and is marketed as a drug to induce labor. The specificity of ricinoleic acid activity is remarkable, the authors say, because castor oil has generally been assumed to work through nonspecific mechanisms.
by Jyllian Kemsley | June 04, 2012