[Research advances of prostaglandin E2 synthases and receptors in cardiovascular diseases].

ABSTRACT

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important lipid mediator derived from arachidonic acid. It is widely distributed in various tissues and involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes. Based on the inhibition of inflammatory PGE2 production, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered as the most commonly used drugs to treat pain and inflammation. However, clinical trials have revealed that NSAIDs, especially cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors, may predispose patients to a remarkably increased cardiovascular risk, including hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. This promotes scientists to develop new drugs to not only afford pain relief but also have cardiovascular efficacy. Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), the key terminal enzyme catalyzing the synthesis of inflammatory PGE2, and the four PGE2 receptors (EP1-4) have gained more attention as the promising alternative drug targets for the development of novel NSAIDs. The role of mPGES-1 and EP receptors in cardiovascular diseases also has been widely studied. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances from our and other studies on the role of PGE2, particularly mPGES-1 and the four PGE2 receptors, in cardiovascular diseases.