Since the beginning of the 1990's diverse types of metabolites originating from polyunsaturated fatty acids, formed under autooxidative conditions were discovered. Known as prostaglandin isomers (or isoprostanoids) originating from arachidonic acid, neuroprostanes from docosahexaenoic acid, and phytoprostanes from α-linolenic acid proved to be prevalent in biology. The syntheses of these compounds by organic chemists and the development of sophisticated mass spectrometry methods has boosted our understanding of the isoprostanoid biology. In recent years, it has become accepted that these molecules not only serve as markers of oxidative damage but also exhibit a wide range of bioactivities. In addition, isoprostanoids have emerged as indicators of oxidative stress in humans and their environment. This review explores in detail the isoprostanoid chemistry and biology that has been achieved in the past three decades.

自1990年代初以来，人们发现了在自氧化条件下形成的多种类型的代谢产物，这些代谢产物来自多不饱和脂肪酸。来自花生四烯酸的已知前列腺素异构体（或异前列腺素），二十二碳六烯酸的神经前列腺素和α-亚麻酸的植物前列腺素在生物学上很普遍。有机化学家合成这些化合物以及先进的质谱方法的发展，加深了我们对异前列腺素生物学的理解。近年来，已经公认这些分子不仅充当氧化损伤的标记，而且表现出广泛的生物活性。另外，异前列腺素类已经成为人类及其环境中氧化应激的指标。