Prostaglandin E2

Also known as:  PGE2

Prostaglandin E2 is a type of Series 2 Prostaglandin.

Cardiovascular System

 Excessive production of PGE2 may play a role in the development of Atherosclerosis.  ^[1]

 PGE2 may increase the "stickiness" of Blood Cells, increasing the likelihood of abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[2]

 PGE2 may increase Blood Pressure (by causing the retention of Sodium in the Kidneys) and over-production of PGE2 can cause Hypertension.  ^[3]

Excretory System

 PGE2 may cause the Kidneys to retain excessive Water and Sodium, increasing the risk of Edema.

Immune System

 Excessive production of PGE2 may be implicated in some types of Cancer (PGE2 activates Ornithine Decarboxylase, a known contributory factor to several types of Cancer):  ^[4]

 Excessive production of PGE2 may stimulate the proliferation of Breast Cancercells.  ^[5]

 Excessive production of PGE2 may stimulate the proliferation of Colon Cancercells.  ^[6]

 Lung Cancer cells produce greater quantities of PGE2 than surrounding healthy tissue and PGE2 may encourage the further growth of Lung Cancer cells (especially via the process of angiogenesis).  ^[7]

 Excessive production of PGE2 stimulates the proliferation of Prostate Cancercells.  ^[8]

 Stomach Cancer cells produce greater quantities of PGE2 than surrounding healthy tissue and PGE2 may encourage the further growth of Stomach Cancer cells (especially via the process of angiogenesis).  ^[9]

 PGE2 is implicated in Fevers.

 PGE2 is involved in Inflammation.  ^[10]

 PGE2 may interfere with the function of T-Lymphocytes.  ^[11]

Musculoskeletal System

 Elevated levels of PGE2 may interfere with the formation of Bones and may increase Bone resorption rate (optimally low levels of PGE2, on the other hand, stimulates Bone formation).  ^[12]

 PGE2 may be involved in the onset and progression of Cachexia.  ^[13]

 PGE2 may stimulate the breakdown of Cartilage.  ^[14]

 Excessive PGE2 may increase the risk of Osteoporosis (it promotes the maturation of Osteoclasts from precursor Cells).  ^[15]

 Excessive PGE2 may be involved in the Inflammation associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

 Excessive production of PGE2 may stimulate the degradation () of Skeletal Muscle which therefore interferes with Muscle Growth.  ^[16]

Nervous System

 Excessive production of PGE2 may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.  ^[17]

 PGE2 levels may be elevated in Depression patients:  ^[18]

 In one study, 97% of Depression patients were found to have elevated PGE2 levels.