15hydroxyprostaglandin

15-hydroxyprostaglandin refers to prostaglandin molecules that carry a hydroxyl group at the 15-position of the prostaglandin side chain. They are part of the broader prostanoid family, lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid through cyclooxygenase and downstream enzymatic steps. 15-hydroxy derivatives can arise as minor products during prostaglandin metabolism and may be produced in inflamed tissues where prostaglandin synthesis is active.

In the metabolic pathway, 15-hydroxyprostaglandins commonly serve as substrates for further oxidation by the enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). This reaction converts the 15-hydroxyl group to a 15-keto group, generating 15-keto prostaglandins and contributing to the inactivation of prostaglandin signaling. As a result, 15-PGDH activity influences the duration and intensity of prostaglandin signals in tissues.

The physiological roles of 15-hydroxyprostaglandins are not as extensively characterized as those of the principal prostaglandins (such as PGE2, PGD2, and PGF2α). They generally exhibit lower affinity for the classical prostanoid receptors, and their direct signaling effects may be limited or rapidly attenuated by metabolism. Nevertheless, their formation and clearance reflect broader prostaglandin turnover and can impact inflammatory responses and tissue homeostasis.

Analytical detection of 15-hydroxyprostaglandins in biological samples relies on sensitive methods such as liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) due to their relatively low abundance and rapid metabolism. Clinical relevance is mainly explored in research contexts, including inflammatory disease and cancer, where dysregulation of prostaglandin metabolism, including 15-hydroxy derivatives and 15-PGDH activity, has been observed.