First discovered more than 70 years ago, the study of the hormone-like prostaglandin has yielded advancements in almost every area of medicine. Ongoing research to better understand how prostaglandins regulate cell growth has even led to the suggestion that prostaglandin regulation could be used to cure certain types of cancer. In some cases, theories have been proposed for prostaglandins that might be untrue or even dangerous.
History
Prostaglandins were first discovered by Swedish scientist, Ulf von Euler. Isolated from human semen, Euler initially believed prostaglandins to be a hormone produced by the prostate gland. Scientists have since concluded that prostaglandins are not a hormone and are not, in fact, created by any gland in the human body. Instead, prostaglandins are created by many cells in the human body to aid in the function or regulation of that particular cell. Also unlike hormones, unused prostaglandins are flushed from the system in a couple of hours.
Functions
Prostaglandins perform a great variety of functions in the human body. The task they perform is dependent upon the cell that has produced the prostaglandin, meaning each individual prostaglandin type is site specific. Some common uses are:
• Activating an inflammatory response, causing pain, causing fever;
• Blood clotting;
• Helping the body induce labor;
• Regulating blood flow to the digestive tract and kidneys; and
• Regulating and aiding in the development of sexual characteristics during puberty.
Benefits
Because of the wide variety of prostaglandins found in the human body and the fact that prostaglandins are site specific, the study of prostaglandin involvement in the body's operation has almost limitless potential. For instance, aspirin works by blocking the creation of the prostaglandin responsible for the human pain response. Failure to form another type of prostaglandin found in our bloodstream is a common cause of hemophilia. Studies in that area have helped yield cures for certain types of that disease. Other prostaglandins have also been studied for their link to certain types of cancers.
Theories/Speculation
There are many known benefits to the study of prostaglandins. However, in the past two decades claims have been made about the use of prostaglandins to increase breast size. Many companies, through commercials and websites, claim a safe, affordable means of achieving breast growth through use of a certain prostaglandin. The companies claim that this prostaglandin, which is found naturally occurring in the female breast tissue only during puberty, if ingested or administered topically will over a period of months increase or rejuvenate a woman's bust.
Warning
Studies presented in the medical community do seem to indicate that use of prostaglandins could cause breast growth. However, it is important to note that the studies done suggesting a link between prostaglandins and breast growth were part of a study dealing with prostaglandin's role in the occurrence of tumors and carcinomas. So while the claims of all-natural breast enhancement might be accurate, it is also accurate to say that same product could also increase the chances of developing certain types of breast cancer.
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