Possible role of prostaglandins in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis of the liver.

The ability of ethanol, copper, iron and viruses to alter prostaglandin (PG) metabolism may be responsible for their ability to induce cirrhosis of liver. PGs are known to regulate fibroblast proliferation, glycosaminoglycan and collagen synthesis and participate in immune response and inflammation. Thus, the beneficial effect of colchicine in cirrhosis could be due to its ability to enhance thromboxane A2 synthesis and normalise PG levels.