So far in our series on inflammation and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), we have covered a variety of topics, including aging and vascular disease. Those two topics come together in this post on women’s health as they age and experience the menopausal transition. Compelling research from Erasmus MC published in JAMA showed that early onset menopause is associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease. We know aging and vascular disease are both associated with inflammation, but is menopause specifically associated with…

Dr. Charles Serhan of Harvard Medical School discusses what excites him most about his research in inflammation resolution and specialized pro-resolving mediators, SPMs. He reveals that the opportunity for resolution of inflammation to leave the lab and enter clinical application is most exciting to him. Research and science about stimulating resolution of inflammation are now emerging for general practice. This is a concept that has been in development for many years and it is now ready for “prime time.” SPMs…

For the past 40 years, clinical research in inflammation has been focused on blocking, suppressing or inhibiting an inflammatory response. This focus was largely driven by an interest to facilitate recovery, modulate a better immune response and to minimize or manage pain responses. And, while these approaches have resulted in symptomatic relief, unknowingly, blocking the inflammatory response resulted in suppression of an active process now known to fully resolve the inflammatory response. The outcome of this has since been shown…

We know that many health conditions have underlying chronic inflammation that can make disease management and treatment more complex. Inflammatory bowel conditions, such as IBD or Crohn’s Disease are closely related to inflammation. In this short video with Dr. Serhan of Harvard Medical School, Metagenics Institute inquires about the opportunities to treat IBD and Crohn’s Disease with SPMs for resolution of inflammation. In animal models, there are encouraging result on three resolvins: D1; Mar1; and E1. Each of these is…

While SPMs offer an exciting opportunity to treat and manage the inflammation often associated with chronic disease, it is crucial to consider the correct amount of SPM for various clinical conditions. In this short video with Dr. Charles Serhan of Harvard Medical School, MHICN inquires about the correct dose of SPM in humans. Dr. Serhan responds that the correct dosing levels have yet to be established fully. Questions that remain include: does gender play a role? Does age play a…

Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) offer an exciting opportunity to treat and manage the inflammation often associated with chronic disease. The precursors to SPMs are Omega-3 essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA. In this short video with Dr. Charles Serhan of Harvard Medical School, MHICN inquires about whether it is possible for humans have excessive intake of SPMs. Dr. Serhan responds no as SPM operate under  a feed forward mechanism. 11. Insights from the Metagenics Lifestyle Summit 2015: Charles Serhan, PhD

Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) offer an exciting opportunity to treat and manage the inflammation often associated with chronic disease. Inflammation exists in other settings as well, such as pre- and post-operative settings where healing will be necessary. Metagenics Institute asks Dr. Charles Serhan of Harvard Medical School if there is any data regarding pre- and post-operative use of SPMs for improved healing outcomes. Dr. Serhan responds that there is, indeed, data supporting that indication of SPMs. SPMs will not interfere…

Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) offer an exciting opportunity to treat and manage the inflammation often associated with chronic disease. In this short video, we ask Dr. Charles Serhan of Harvard Medical School about the time of onset of action for SPMs following their ingestion. Dr. Serhan responds that, in a limited study of humans, the conversion of substrate is very fast. Within four hours, investigators could identify those patients who had taken pro-resolving mediators by testing the peripheral blood. Experiments…

Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) offer an exciting opportunity to treat and manage the inflammation often associated with chronic disease. In this short video, we ask Dr. Charles Serhan of Harvard Medical School about where SPMs are most commonly stored in the body. Dr. Serhan responded that there is no evidence that SPMs are stored in the body at all. Preclinical and limited human data indicate that SPMs act rapidly at target cells. Afterward, they are inactivated. Watch the video for more…

Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) offer an exciting opportunity to treat and manage the inflammation often associated with chronic disease. In this short video, we ask Dr. Charles Serhan of Harvard Medical School how SPMs can be used as preventive dietary supplements in healthy people. Dr. Serhan responded that pre-clinical models indicate that SPMs can regenerate tissue, expedite endogenous inflammatory resolution, and return to homeostasis after an insult or injury. Limited clinical findings indicate that SPMs are produced in fish and…