Potential Roles of Prostaglandins PGD2, PGJ2, and PGE2 in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Prostaglandins (PGs) are eicosanoid compounds with various hormone-like effects within the human body. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2, a metabolite of PGD2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are common prostaglandins. They are produced from arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenase isoenzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) and PG synthases and are involved in many biological metabolisms, including the inflammatory response. Recent studies show PGs are mediators for both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), inflammation caused by autoimmunity damages tissues, leading to organ diseases such as lupus nephritis and lupus myocarditis. However, the roles of different types of PGs in the pathogenesis of SLE remain unclear. In this review, we discuss three types of PGs—PGD2, PGJ2, and PGE2—for their potential roles in SLE pathogenesis.