In the 4th part of the SPM interview series with Charles Serhan, PhD, DSc, he answers the question: “Besides peripheral blood, can pro-resolving mediators be measured in other tissues? If so, which ones?” Dr. Serhan shares current research findings on SPM measurement in the human body, demonstrating several human tissues and fluids where SPMs have been found. These discoveries will directly inform analytical methods for SPM measurement moving forward. Dr. Serhan also discusses the “coagulation clock”, as well as gender-…

In the 5th part of the SPM interview series with Charles Serhan, PhD, DSc, he explores the latest research to answer the question: “What is the role of resolvins in cancer?” Listen in as Dr. Serhan shares the impact resolvins have  on tumor debris clearance, tumor burden and cytotoxic agent use in animal models, as well as the potential for applications in human oncologic treatment. Charles Serhan, PhD, DSc is Director of the Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury…

In the 6th part of the SPM interview series, Charles Serhan, PhD, DSc provides insights into the query: “What role do you envision lipid mediators and active resolution will play in future clinical decision-making?” Dr. Serhan shares an edifying history on resolvins, from molecular work following their discovery in 2000, to the growing body of in vivo animal model results in inflammatory and infection processes, and now to the ongoing human clinical studies. Charles Serhan, PhD, DSc is Director of the…

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a chronic health condition comprised of a group of risk factors that raise the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified five risk factors that indicate that a patient may have MetS. These include a large waistline, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high fasting blood glucose. As prevalence and incidence of obesity increase globally, the risk of developing MetS increases as well. The NIH indicates that…

Pathology & Prevalence of Asthma Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disorder that is characterized by “asthma attacks” during which airflow is obstructed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the prevalence of asthma among children is 8.6% and among adults is 7.4%. While boys are likelier than girls to have asthma, adult women are almost twice as likely to have asthma than are adult men. African Americans have the highest prevalence of asthma, at 9.9%. The prevalence has…

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are both inflammatory disorders that affect the cartilage and the lining of the joints, respectively. The Cleveland Clinic indicates that osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis in the United States. It affects more than 70% of adults between 55 and 78 years of age, more commonly affecting women than men. The earliest symptoms of OA are joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. It is most common in the knee, hip, spine, and hands. Activity and…

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…

DHA or EPA supplementation during gestation increases SPM levels in mothers and newborn babies. Omega-3 fatty acids and metabolic precursors such as specialized pro-resolving mediators, or SPMs, have been associated with reduction of inflammation, and other health conditions.  In pregnancy, omega-3 supplementation has been shown to reduce preterm birth and neonatal concerns. A study by Ellen L. Mozurkewich et al explored if supplementation of EPA- or DHA-rich supplements during pregnancy increases SPM metabolites in serum and cord samples. This study…

by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN As part of its Breakthrough Devices Program, the FDA authorized marketing for the Brain Trauma Indicator, the first blood test to evaluate mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adults.1 What is TBI? TBI, also known as “concussion,” occurs following a bump, blow or jolt to the head or penetrating head injury that disrupts the brain’s normal functioning. TBI can cause short- and long-term impairments in thinking, memory, movement, sensation (e.g. vision or hearing) and…

In this webinar, Dr. Osama Hamdy, the medical director of the obesity program at the Joslin Diabetes Center, discusses, “Dietary Fat: Should We Change Recommendations.” He begins with basic information on dietary fats. There are three types of lipids: free fatty acids, compound lipids (phospholipids, sterols/cholesterol). When we discuss fatty acids, we mean a chain of carbon atoms, one end called the alpha end, and one called the omega end. It is from that structure that we get the names of polyunsaturated…