Search Results for: spm

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…

Inflammation is a core defect of many common chronic diseases, but existing anti-inflammatory treatments are often ineffective in stopping inflammation and may actually contribute to delay resolution. In fact, inflammation is a natural process that arises and subsides, leaving tissue repaired and functioning as it was prior to injury and inflammatory response. SPMs are bioactive molecules that mediate the resolution of inflammation and maintain inflammatory responses within tightly delineated boundaries, promoting a return to homeostasis. SPMs do not block inflammation,…

Robert Martindale, MD proposes that we have been so lost in trying to prevent inflammation that we have forgotten about the resolution of inflammation. Resolution is an active process. Anti-inflammation is not equivalent to Pro-Resolution. SPMs are lipid compounds isolated in many human tissues during inflammation. 1) Chemically synthesized in lab and in vivo 2) Injected into humans at physiologic doses 3) Inflammation resolves faster – mimics natural healing 4) Prevents transition to chronic inflammation 5) Increases bacterial and viral…

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. 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…