Recent discoveries have identified a class of lipid mediators, identified
in circulation and tissues throughout the body,1,2 known as specialized
pro-resolving mediators, which function as ”resolution agonists” and
actively coordinate the resolution of inflammation1-3
However, some individuals exhibit insufficient levels of endogenous
specialized pro-resolving mediators—thought to be related to lifestyle
behaviors, dietary choices, age, or negative health conditions—in
response to an inflammatory challenge.1-3 As a result, the resolution
activities can be negatively impacted, leading to an unresolved chronic
inflammatory response.
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Internal Conversion from EPA and DHA
Specialized pro-resolving mediators are produced naturally in the body
from unsaturated fatty acids—predominantly omega-3 EPA and DHA
(Figure 1).2-4 Although EPA and DHA are the precursors of specialized
pro-resolving mediators, they do not have pro-resolving properties.1,2,4 They
require multiple downstream enzymatic conversions to form 17-HDHA
and 18-HEPE, which are further converted into specialized pro-resolving
mediators. In theory, exogenous supply of 17-HDHA, 18-HEPE, or specialized
pro-resolving mediators may be an efficient method for certain patient
groups (see next page) to increase circulating levels of specialized
pro-resolving mediators in the body as opposed to increasing intakes of
omega-3 fatty acids.
Initiation Phase Is Needed for Resolution of Inflammation
Each phase of the inflammatory response is linked, and the initiation phase
is required for the resolution phase to occur.5,6 Interestingly, the use of
certain traditional anti-inflammatory therapies such as NSAIDs are
considered “resolution disrupters.”1 They block the initiation phase activities
by inhibiting the biosynthesis of eicosanoids involved in inflammation
initiation, thereby impacting the subsequent production of specialized
pro-resolving mediators needed for inflammation resolution (Figure 1).1
Research Highlights
- Anti-inflammation is not the same as pro-resolution
- Specialized pro-resolving mediators are involved in the active process of the resolution of inflammation; complete resolution is necessary for the return of tissue to homeostasis
- Acute inflammation is a normal defense mechanism, whereas chronic inflammation is caused by unresolved inflammatory responses and may be linked to low levels of specialized pro-resolving mediators
- Specialized pro-resolving mediators may have potential clinical roles in the management of chronic conditions associated with uncontrolled inflammation
Mechanisms of Action
Early scientific doctrine believed that after an inflammatory response was initiated, pro-inflammatory signals dissipated over time and inflammation passively faded out with an eventual return to homeostasis.2 However, it is now understood that an inflammatory response has an initiation phase and a resolution phase, and resolution of inflammation is an active and controlled process.2-4 Without effective resolution, a return to homeostasis will not occur. Specialized pro-resolving mediators, including resolvins (Rvs), protectins (PDs), and maresins (Mars), are the orchestrators behind this active resolution process by:2-4
- Limiting excessive neutrophil infiltration in affected tissue
- Stimulating macrophage phagocytosis to clear cellular debris
- Decreasing pro-inflammatory mediator production
- Enhancing tissue regeneration and restoring to homeostasis
- Potential Clinical Applications
Potential Clinical Applications
Preliminary evidence from in vitro, in vivo (animal), and ex vivo experiments support the role specialized pro-resolving mediators may be having in inflammation resolution. In theory, nutritional strategies that enhance production of specialized pro-resolving mediators may be beneficial in the management of health conditions associated with chronic unresolved inflammation. Some scenarios are discussed below.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is characterized by an increase in inflammatory cells and biomarkers in affected joints.8
- In patients with arthritis, lower levels of Rvs, 17-HDHA, and 18-HEPE were correlated with higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate and pain.9
- In animal models, treatment with Rvs reduced joint inflammation,
ameliorated arthritis symptom and severity, and stimulated
chondrocyte matrix production.10-12
Cognition
- Neuroinflammation has been associated with cognitive decline.13,14
Measured in the postmortem brain tissues, lower levels of specific neuroprotectin and Rv in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid were seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related neurodegeneration.15,16 - Levels of lipoxin and Rv, measured in the postmortem brain tissues from AD patients, were positively correlated with cognitive function as determined by Mini-Mental State Examination scores.17
Metabolic Disease
Adipose tissue dysfunction contributes to chronic uncontrolled inflammation, which can result in adverse metabolic outcomes such as insulin resistance and obesity.18
- In adipose tissues of humans with metabolic syndrome and obese mice, levels of Rvs, PD, 17-HDHA, or 18-HEPE were reduced.18
- In adipocytes, treatment with Rvs promoted resolution activities, increased adiponectin secretion, and reduced pro-inflammatory
adipokines, suggesting normalization of adipose tissue function.2,18 - In overweight individuals with metabolic syndrome compared with healthy controls, the appearance of 17-HDHA and 18-HEPE was reduced following fish oil supplementation, indicating defective biosynthesis of specialized pro-resolving mediators.19
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD)
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are IBD that lead to long-term and occasionally irreversible impairment of gastrointestinal structure and function.20
- In animal models, Rvs, Mar, and 17-HDHA have been shown to help reduce tissue damage, reduce inflammation and neutrophil infiltration, maintain body weight, and increase survival.21-24
