PGH2derived

PGH2derived is a term used to describe prostanoids that originate from prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), the central intermediate in the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism. PGH2 is produced by COX-1 and COX-2 and serves as a common substrate for downstream prostanoid synthases. Because PGH2 is relatively unstable, its rate of formation and conversion to downstream products tightly regulate signaling events in tissues.

The PGH2-derived prostanoids include prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostacyclin (PGI2), and thromboxane A2 (TXA2). Each product is generated by specific synthases acting on PGH2 and interacts with distinct G protein–coupled receptors, producing diverse effects across tissues. For example, PGE2 can modulate inflammation and fever, TXA2 promotes platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction, while PGI2 generally inhibits platelet aggregation and induces vasodilation. PGD2 and PGF2α have roles in smooth muscle tone and inflammatory responses, among other functions.

Biological and clinical relevance stems from the broad roles of PGH2-derived prostanoids in inflammation, vascular tone, hemostasis, and pain signaling. Pharmacological agents targeting this pathway—such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that inhibit COX enzymes, or receptor antagonists and synthase modulators—alter the production and action of PGH2-derived prostanoids, with implications for pain management, cardiovascular risk, and inflammatory diseases. In research, profiling PGH2-derived prostanoids aids understanding of eicosanoid signaling in health and disease.