Nowadays, metabolic syndromes are emerging as global epidemics, whose incidence are increasing annually. However, the efficacy of therapy does not increase proportionately with the increased morbidity. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are two common metabolic syndromes that are closely associated. The pathogenic mechanisms of T2DM and NAFLD have been studied, and it was revealed that insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation markedly contribute to the development of these two diseases. The 2‑series prostaglandins (PGs), a subgroup of eicosanoids, including PGD2, PGE2, PGF2α and PGI2, are converted from arachidonic acid catalyzed by the rate‑limiting enzymes cyclooxygenases (COXs). Considering their wide distribution in almost every tissue, 2‑series PG pathways exert complex and interlinked effects in mediating pancreatic β‑cell function and proliferation, insulin sensitivity, fat accumulation and lipolysis, as well as inflammatory processes. Previous studies have revealed that metabolic disturbances, such as hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, can be improved by treatment with COX inhibitors. At present, an accumulating number of studies have focused on the roles of 2‑series PGs and their metabolites in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndromes, particularly T2DM and NAFLD. In the present review, the role of 2‑series PGs in the highly intertwined pathogenic mechanisms of T2DM and NAFLD was discussed, and important therapeutic strategies based on targeting 2‑series PG pathways in T2DM and NAFLD treatment were provided.
Keywords: hepatic lipid accumulation; hyperglycemia; inflammation; insulin resistance; non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease; prostaglandin; type 2 diabetes mellitus.