The key difference between Prostaglandin E1 and E2 is that the prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is an anti-inflammatory factor whereas the Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a pro-inflammatory factor.
Prostaglandins are lipid-derived compounds that have a hormone-like function. They can act as autocrine or paracrine compounds bringing about antagonistic or synergistic effects in the living organisms. Prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2 are two types, and they differ on the functionality in inflammation. Both prostaglandin E1 and E2 belong to the same family of prostaglandin E2, and their basis of reaction and their effects are not yet completely elucidated. They are used in the treatments of various biochemical mechanisms in living beings.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Prostaglandin E1
3. What is Prostaglandin E2
4. Similarities Between Prostaglandin E1 and E2
5. Side by Side Comparison – Prostaglandin E1 vs E2 in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is Prostaglandin E1?
Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) derives from omega 6 fatty acids. However, pharmaceuticals refer it as alprostadil. It is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory factor that functions to reduce inflammation. It acts via the prostaglandin E2 receptor, although the pathway of ligand binding and its mechanism is not yet completely elucidated. PGE1 is important in treatments of erectile dysfunction, where PGE1 injects into the penis as a treatment. Furthermore, PGE1 is a vasodilator and functions by opening the blood vessels via relaxation of the smooth muscles.
Figure 01: Prostaglandin E1
Side effects of administration of PGE1 include penile pain, bleeding at the site of injection and effects such as low blood pressure, difficulties in breathing and fever.
What is Prostaglandin E2?
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a lipid-derived natural prostaglandin that acts like a pro-inflammatory factor that activates inflammation via the Wnt signalling pathways. The receptor of PGE2 belongs to prostaglandin E2 family receptor.
Dinoprostone is one pharmaceutical that contains prostaglandin E2. Hence, this pharmaceutical administers as a medication to induce labour pains, induce bleeding after delivery and to induce termination of pregnancy. PGE2 is also administered to babies with congenital heart defects and induce opening and softening of the blood vessels.
Figure 02: Prostaglandin E2
Moreover, the common side effects of PGE2 administration include fever, diarrhoea and vomiting. When administered during delivery, it induces excessive uterine contractions.
What are the Similarities Between Prostaglandin E1 and E2?
- Prostaglandin E1 and E2 derive from arachidonic acid.
- Both are forms of omega 6 fatty acids.
- They act as hormones in regulating signalling pathways.
- Prostaglandin E1 and E2 share the same receptor.
- Both have side effects after administration as a treatment. Moreover, they share a few specific sides effects as well.
- They act antagonistically to each other.
What is the Difference Between Prostaglandin E1 and E2?
Prostaglandin E1 and E2 are two types of prostaglandins and they both share the same receptors. However, PGE1 is an anti-inflammatory factor while PGE2 is a pro-inflammatory factor. This is the key difference between prostaglandin E1 and E2. Another difference between prostaglandin E1 and E2 is in their function in the treatment of diseases. The common use of prostaglandin E1 is to treat erectile dysfunction whereas the common use of prostaglandin E2 is to induce uterine contractions and to assist in delivery.
Summary – Prostaglandin E1 vs E2
Prostaglandins play a major role in balancing biochemical activities in living organisms. Thus, they are lipid-derived long-chain fatty acids having a structural monomer of omega 6 fatty acids. Therefore, the two types, PGE1 and PGE2, belong to the prostaglandin E2 receptor family and functions antagonistically. PGE1 is an anti-inflammatory factor, whereas PGE2 is a pro-inflammatory factor. PGE1 uses in the treatment of erectile dysfunction while PGE1 uses to induce labour during the delivery process. This is the difference between prostaglandin E1 and E2.
Reference:
1.Chillar, and Annirudha. “Binding and Signaling Differences between Prostaglandin E1 and E2 Mediated by Prostaglandin E Subtype Receptors.” Repository Home, 28 Sept. 2012. Available here
2.“Prostaglandin E1.” Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics, Elsevier. Available here
Image Courtesy:
1.”Prostaglandin E1″By Calvero. – Own work, (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2.”Prostaglandin E2″By NEUROtiker – Own work, (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia