[Microbiological synthesis and transformation of prostaglandins]

The review surveys current literature on microbiological synthesis and modification of prostaglandins. Three possible approaches to the use of microorganisms for prostaglandin production are considered including synthesis de novo, arachidonic acid transformation, and prostaglandin modifications. The most typical reactions of prostaglandin transformations by microorganisms are analysed: hydrolysis, hydroxylation, reduction and beta-oxidation.