Prostaglandins are involved in many physiologic and cellular processes, such as inflammation. The NAD(+)-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH, type I) is the main enzyme of prostaglandin degradation. By catalyzing the conversion of the 15-hydroxyl group of prostaglandins into a keto group, this ubiquitous enzyme strongly reduces the biologic activity of these molecules. The induction of 15-PGDH expression by dexamethasone and other glucocorticoids at the therapeutic level provides an additional biochemical mechanism for the anti-inflammatory action of these glucocorticoids.Synonyms: 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, PGDH, PGDH1, Prostaglandin dehydrogenase 1