Prostaglandins
The local hormones of inflammation. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds made at sites of tissue damage or infection. They cause inflammation, pain, and fever—but also protect the stomach and regulate blood flow. NSAIDs work by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. The fatty acids you eat determine which prostaglandins you make.
Prostaglandin Series
Series 1 (PGE1)
From GLA (omega-6). Generally anti-inflammatory. Vasodilation. Blood thinning.
Series 2 (PGE2)
From arachidonic acid (omega-6). Pro-inflammatory. Pain, fever, swelling.
Series 3 (PGE3)
From EPA (omega-3). Anti-inflammatory. Competes with series 2. Resolution.
Prostaglandin Functions
Inflammation
Vasodilation, increased permeability. Immune cell recruitment. Classic signs.
Pain Sensitization
Make nerve endings more sensitive. Amplify pain signals. Why NSAIDs help.
Fever
PGE2 acts on hypothalamus. Raises temperature setpoint. Aspirin blocks this.
Stomach Protection
PGE2 protects stomach lining. Why NSAIDs cause ulcers—block this protection.
Uterine Contraction
Labor and menstrual cramps. PGF2 causes uterine muscle contraction.
Blood Clotting
Thromboxane (related) promotes clots. Prostacyclin prevents. Balance critical.
Influencing Prostaglandins
Increase Omega-3
Fish oil, fatty fish. Shifts production toward anti-inflammatory series 3.
Reduce Omega-6
Less arachidonic acid available. Fewer pro-inflammatory series 2.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Whole foods. Low sugar. Turmeric, ginger. Shifts balance.
NSAIDs
Block COX enzymes. Reduce all prostaglandins. Side effects from blocking good ones.
Aspirin
Irreversibly blocks COX. Unique mechanism. Low-dose for blood thinning.
GLA Supplements
Evening primrose, borage oil. Increase anti-inflammatory series 1.