Search Results (137)

Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), including lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins, actively terminate inflammation and restore tissue homeostasis. This review addresses how specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) and their omega-3/omega-6 PUFA precursors influence inflammatory pathways, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic potential across major inflammatory skin disorders. MEDLINE/PubMed was searched on 4 October 2025. Eligible studies included experimental, animal, mechanistic human, and interventional research examining SPMs or omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids. Non-English articles, reviews, conference abstracts, and dietary questionnaire–only studies were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. No formal risk-of-bias assessment was undertaken Of 359 records, 57 studies were included (26 psoriasis, 24 atopic dermatitis, 7 acne; scarce hidradenitis suppurativa data). Preclinical data consistently demonstrated that SPMs modulate key inflammatory pathways, support epithelial repair, and help restore immune balance. Human studies revealed altered cutaneous and systemic lipid mediator profiles—characterized by reduced omega-3–derived SPMs and predominance of omega-6-driven inflammatory mediators—suggesting impaired resolution mechanisms across these disorders. Interventional studies showed that omega-3 supplementation may reduce inflammatory markers, improve barrier function, and alleviate clinical symptoms. Early evidence on SPMs analogues and receptor agonists indicates promising therapeutic potential, but clinical data remain sparse. The body of evidence is limited by scarce human data, small sample sizes, heterogeneous interventions and variable methods. Many studies rely on subjective or non-standardized clinical outcomes, and the predominance of experimental models further limits the translational relevance of current findings. In summary, disturbances in PUFA-derived lipid mediator pathways and insufficient activation of pro-resolving mechanisms may contribute to the persistence of cutaneous inflammation. Omega-3 supplementation and SPMs-based novel therapies therefore represent plausible adjunctive approaches; however, their therapeutic relevance requires confirmation in future mechanistic and clinical studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), such as Resolvin E1 (RvE1) and Resolvin D1 (RvD1), play a critical role in the resolution phase of inflammation. However, their relevance to tendon pathology and tissue-specific degeneration in rotator cuff tears remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relation between serum RvE1 and RvD1 levels and the morphological severity of tendon retraction and muscle fatty degeneration in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Methods: A total of 70 participants were included: 35 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 35 healthy controls. Tendon retraction and muscle fatty degeneration were graded using Patte and Goutallier classifications, respectively. Serum RvE1 and RvD1 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Group comparisons were performed using Welch’s t-test, and correlations were analyzed with Spearman’s coefficient. Results: RvE1 and RvD1 levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). RvE1 showed a moderate positive correlation with Patte score (ρ = 0.37, p = 0.027), while no significant correlation was observed with Goutallier classification (ρ = 0.19, p = 0.27). RvD1 levels demonstrated no significant relationship with either morphological parameter. Conclusions: These findings suggest that decreased serum RvE1 levels are associated with the severity of tendon retraction but not with muscle fatty degeneration. Therefore, RvE1 may serve as a potential biochemical biomarker reflecting tendon damage severity and the impaired resolution of inflammation in rotator cuff tears. Full article

Oxylipins are specialized lipid mediators that can have dual functions, either promoting inflammation or supporting resolution. Exposure to air pollution is associated with systemic inflammation that may be modified by oxylipins derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA). In this study, we examined whether short-term air pollution exposure is associated with changes in circulating oxylipins in healthy adults, who were on high- or low-dietary omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) intakes. We measured 56 oxylipin species from participants’ plasma samples and employed mixed-effects models to assess the associations, stratified by n-3 FA groups. Plasma concentrations of oxylipins derived from n-3 FA [e.g., 14-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (14-HDHA) & 11-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (11-HDoHE), and 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (12-HEPE)] were significantly higher in the high n-3 FA group compared to the low group. Conversely, selected oxylipins derived from n-6 FA [e.g., 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) and 14,15-Dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-DiHETrE)] were significantly lower in the high n-3 group. Exposure to PM_2.5, O₃, and NO₂ was associated with reductions in pro-inflammatory oxylipins produced by lipoxygenase in the high n-3 FA group, but not in the low group; for example, 12-HETE. Furthermore, participants in the high n-3 group exposed to PM_2.5, O₃, and NO₂ had elevated levels of n-3 FA-derived pro-resolving oxylipins compared to those in the low n-3 group; for instance, 12-HEPE and 14-HDHA & 11-HDoHE. In conclusion, short-term air pollution exposure was associated with lower pro-inflammatory and higher pro-resolving oxylipin levels in the high n-3 FA group. These findings suggest n-3-derived lipid metabolites may promote inflammation resolution induced by air pollution. Full article

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a major cause of heart failure and is one of the most common forms of cardiomyopathy worldwide. Although there has been significant progress in its clinical management, early diagnosis and precise prognosis remain challenging due to the lack of specificity in current biomarkers. As inflammation plays a key role in DCM, we determined the levels of systemic inflammatory markers and specific pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) in a cohort of DCM patients. Our data show that the levels of lipoxin A4 significantly increased in DCM patients (343 + 75.1 pg/mL in controls vs. 482.2 ± 159.1 pg/mL in DCM patients), whereas the opposite was observed for resolving D1 (57.18 ± 32.68 pg/mL in controls vs. 38.55 ± 25.13 pg/mL in DCM patients). These results may indicate that SPMs could be considered new biomarkers related to the progression of this pathology. Moreover, since microRNAs (miRNAs) are also considered potential biomarkers at the molecular level, we conducted comprehensive miRNA expression profiling using a high-throughput array platform in our cohort. Of the differentially expressed miRNAs identified, we chose to focus on two that were significantly upregulated (miR378-3p and miR486-5p; more than two-folds) or downregulated (miR142-3p and miR328-3p < 20% and 40% vs. the control, respectively) in DCM patients, all of them strongly associated with inflammatory pathways. The selected miRNAs showed considerable potential as biomarkers, exhibiting statistical significance after ROC analysis. In fact, improved performance was observed when combining both miR142-3p and miR328-3p, using a LASSO regression model. However, we found no correlation between miRNAs and traditional inflammatory markers or SPMs ruling out the possibility to proposing them as combined biomarkers in this case. The heterogeneity of DCM leads to the need to identify new biomarkers that, either individually or in combination, may improve the prognosis of affected individuals. In our study, we have identified that some of the main SPMs can provide valuable information about disease progression, in addition to the combination of certain circulating miRNAs, which show promising prognostic values in our cohort. Thus, we have identified novel biomarkers that integrate inflammatory profiles with specific circulating miRNA expression patterns is an important step towards more targeted patient stratification in DCM. This approach can improve DCM diagnosis and prognosis, supporting the development of personalized treatments through a multi-parameter panel of biomarkers that can be measured in peripheral blood and used in routine clinical practice. Such a strategy can enable earlier treatment, resulting in better patient outcomes and quality of life. Full article

Severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with abnormal innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as systemic alterations, including a shift in lipid network. A case–control study was conducted to describe the systemic lipidomic profile in COVID-19 according to disease severity. Selected polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), oxylipins, and endocannabinoids were analysed using a targeted liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in tandem method. Multivariate receiver operating characteristic curve-based model evaluation was performed to define a lipidomic signature for the disease. A total of 135 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, of whom 85 had severe form, and 134 healthy individuals were included. Patients exhibited increased levels of free PUFAs, proinflammatory and pro-resolving oxylipins, and endocannabinoids compared to controls. A combination of five lipid mediators, i.e., prostaglandin D2, prostaglandin E2, thromboxane B2, lipoxin B4, and 2-archidonylglycerol, discriminates patients from control individuals with excellent accuracy [AUC, 0.977 (0.950–0.995)]. The severe form is characterized by an imbalance between proinflammatory and pro-resolving oxylipins and increased endocannabinoids. COVID-19 is associated with a lipid storm that conditions disease severity. Targeting lipid mediators-related metabolic and signalling pathways could be an interesting therapeutic option in severe forms. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent form of arthropathy, is characterized by progressive degradation of cartilage, synovial inflammation, and other pathological changes that gradually affect the entire joint. Once regarded as a purely degenerative disease with minimal immune involvement, recent evidence reveals that chronic low-grade inflammation, insidiously fueled by the destructive crosstalk between cartilage and synovium, plays a key role in OA pathophysiology. Among the immune cells involved, eosinophils have emerged as unexpected yet significant contributors, exhibiting both pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. Traditionally associated with allergic responses and antiparasitic defense, eosinophils can also secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines along with specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) that promote macrophage polarization toward reparative M2 phenotypes. Eosinophils may sustain inflammation or, conversely, act as “silent modulators” that subtly shape the immune microenvironment and support tissue homeostasis. This immunological plasticity positions them at the intersection of joint damage and repair. This article explores emerging evidence on eosinophil activity in OA, emphasizing their dual nature and potential as therapeutic targets to shift the joint milieu from a pro-inflammatory state toward resolution. Understanding eosinophil-mediated pathways may pave the way for novel strategies to reduce synovial inflammation, preserve cartilage integrity, and improve clinical outcomes. Full article

This comprehensive narrative review of bioactive plant compounds, pro-resolving anti-inflammatory lipids, and statins shows their potential in the inhibition of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), pain resolution, tissue repair, and disc regeneration. IVDD is a multifactorial disease involving a multitude of signaling pathways, leading to the loss of normal disc function. An influx of nociceptive mechanoreceptors generate low back pain (LBP). IL6 and IL8 levels are elevated in patients undergoing spinal fusion to alleviate LBP, indicating these pro-inflammatory mediators may be major contributors to the generation of LBP. Apoptosis of disc cells leads to the depletion of key extracellular matrix components that equip the disc with its weight-bearing properties. A biomechanically incompetent degenerated IVD stimulates nociceptor mechanoreceptor activity, generating pain. Myo-tendinous, vertebral body, muscle, and facet joint tissues also contain pain receptors. Disturbance of the normal architecture of the IVD also generates pain in these tissues. Plant compounds have been used in folkloric medicine for centuries. This review attempts to provide a scientific basis for their purported health benefits; however, further studies are still required to substantiate this. Until this evidence is available, it would be prudent to be cautious in the use of such compounds. A diverse range of plant compounds (flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and polyphenolics) inhibit inflammation and apoptosis, reduce spinal pain, and stimulate tissue repair by targeting cell signaling pathways in IVDD. Pro-resolving lipid mediators (lipoxin A4, resolvin D1, protectins, and maresins) also reduce inflammation, maintaining disc health and function. Cholesterol lowering statins disrupt phosphorylation in cell signaling pathways inhibiting IVDD, promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Full article

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex, multifactorial condition involving dysregulation across immune, neural, and metabolic systems. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have emerged as promising adjunctive interventions, with evidence supporting their efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms. Here, we synthesize current knowledge on the interconnected biological pathways through which n-3 PUFAs may exert antidepressant effects. A growing body of evidence implicates the gut–brain axis as a central pathway through which n-3 PUFAs may exert antidepressant effects. By shaping microbiota composition and metabolite production, n-3 PUFAs influence intestinal permeability, immune activation, and vagal signaling, thereby contributing to both immunomodulatory and neurochemical effects. In combination, n-3 PUFAs modulate peripheral and central inflammation by promoting specialized pro-resolving mediators, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and influencing microglial activation. Parallel actions on neuronal membrane composition and lipid raft integrity affect neurotransmitter signaling, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis, with downstream effects on neural function. Additional pathways, including hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis regulation and oxidative stress reduction, further integrate n-3 PUFA actions across multiple systems. Collectively, these mechanisms suggest that n-3 PUFAs act as network modulators, supporting recovery in depression. Translational research highlights the importance of EPA-predominant formulations, optimal dosing, and patient stratification. By framing n-3 PUFAs activity within a multi-level systems biology perspective, this review provides a comprehensive mechanistic understanding and underscores their potential as targeted adjunctive strategies for MDD. Full article

Atherosclerosis, the principal pathology underlying cardiovascular diseases, is now recognized as a chronic inflammatory disorder of the arterial wall. This review focuses on the central role of oxylipins, a diverse family of bioactive lipids derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in the inflammatory processes driving atherosclerosis. We synthesize evidence that oxylipins produced via cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), cytochrome P450 (CYP), anandamide (AEA) pathways and non-enzymatic transformations of PUFAs are pivotal modulators of vascular function, immune cell recruitment, and plaque stability. The balance between pro-inflammatory mediators and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) is critical; a shift towards inflammation underlies disease progression. Advances in lipidomics now enable comprehensive oxylipin profiling, revealing distinct signatures with significant diagnostic and prognostic potential for assessing coronary artery disease severity and predicting future cardiovascular events. Therapeutically, while current anti-inflammatory strategies target downstream pathways, this review highlights emerging approaches that modulate the oxylipin system directly. These include promoting SPMs synthesis through omega-3 supplementation, inhibiting pro-inflammatory leukotriene production, and preserving cardioprotective epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) via soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibition. A deeper understanding of these complex oxylipin networks promises to yield novel biomarkers and targeted therapies designed to restore inflammatory homeostasis and combat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Full article

The immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) underpins their therapeutic value in musculoskeletal disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms remain ill-defined. Traditionally associated with immune cells, immunometabolism (the cellular metabolism–immune system interplay) is now recognized as central in a broader range of processes, including tissue homeostasis, repair, and chronic inflammation. Depending on the context and cell type, distinct metabolic pathways (e.g., fatty acid oxidation, lipid mediator biosynthesis) can drive pro-inflammatory/pro-resolving immune phenotypes. This dynamic is salient in musculoskeletal tissues: macrophage polarization, T-cell activation, and MSC immunomodulation are governed by metabolic cues. Emerging evidence highlights lipid-driven immunometabolism as a key player in MSC function, particularly in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and osteoporosis (OP). Unlike immune cells, MSCs rely on distinct metabolic programs (e.g., lipid sensing, uptake, and signaling) to exert context-dependent immunoregulation. In PTOA, persistent inflammation triggers lipid-centric metabolic pathways, enhancing MSC-driven immunomodulation and therapeutic outcomes. In OP, low-grade inflammation and altered lipid metabolism impair bone regeneration, modulating lipid-driven routes that can restore MSC osteogenic function and influence osteoclast precursors. This review explores how lipid-derived mediators and signaling contribute to MSCs’ immunosuppressive capacity, positioning lipid immunometabolism as a novel axis for rebalancing the inflamed joint microenvironment and encouraging musculoskeletal regeneration. Full article

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD/FAS) is a chronic inflammatory process of the fetal brain induced by alcohol and mediated by pro-inflammatory (PILM) and pro-resolving (PRLM) lipid mediators of inflammation. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an essential precursor of PRLM. A study examining the response of lipid mediators of inflammation to alcohol insult and DHA supplementation can provide vital information on the pathogenesis of FASD/FAS and the potential ameliorative role of DHA. Four groups of timed pregnant rats were studied: control, low-dose (1.6 g/kg/day) and high-dose (2.4 g/kg/day) alcohol, and high-dose alcohol (2.4 g/kg/day) + DHA (1250 mg/kg/day). The pups were delivered on day 20, and their whole brain was examined for lipid mediators by liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy. The following biomarkers of brain lipid mediators were studied, namely, PILM (LTB4, PGE2, PGF2α, TXB2) and PRLM (LXA5, 4-HDoHE, 17-HDoHE, and MaR1n-3, DPA). The brain PILM and PRLM concentrations decreased significantly (p < 0.001) with high-dose alcohol. However, high-dose alcohol + DHA resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) increase in PRLM levels, viz., LXA5, MaR1n-3 DPA, 17-HDoHE, and a threefold increase in 4-HDoHE. We conclude that DHA supplementation in alcohol-exposed pregnant rats significantly increased levels of brain pro-resolving lipid mediators in the offspring, suggesting a potential role in modulating the inflammatory response. Full article

Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic respiratory condition with distinct inflammatory phenotypes, including type 2-driven eosinophilic asthma. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory trial investigated the effects of OmeGO^®, on respiratory outcomes in adults with type 2 asthma. Over a 20-week period, 66 participants received 6 g per day of either OmeGO^® (≥120 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), ≥180 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), or placebo. The key outcome was a composite score of moderate and severe exacerbation events. Asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Questionnaire-5-item (ACQ5) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria. The median time to the first composite event was 37 days (95% CI 9–47) in the OmeGO group and 15 days (95% CI 12–33) in the placebo group (p = 0.347); 73% of the participants in the OmeGO experienced at least one exacerbation compared to 82% in the placebo group (p = 0.347). The weekly frequence of composite events was 0.36 per day in the OmeGO group and 0.32 in the placebo group (p = 0.777). Even though there are no differences in the exacerbation rates between groups, the time to first composite event should be further explored. Full article

Uterine leiomyoma (uterine fibroids, UF) are benign myometrium tumors that affect up to 70% of the female population and may lead to severe clinical symptoms. Despite the high prevalence, pathogenesis of UF is not understood and involves cytokines, steroid hormones, and growth factors. Additionally, an increased deposition and remodelling of the extracellular matrix is characteristic for UF. Vitamin D seems to play a new role in UF. Interestingly, hypovitaminosis D correlates with a higher prevalence of myomas and the severity of the myomas. Administration of vitamin D in women with insufficiency (serum level <30 ng/mL) restored the vitamin D status and reduced the mild symptoms of myomas. In addition, inflammatory processes may play a role. In the past years, it has become clear that cessation of inflammation is an active process driven by a class of lipid mediator molecules called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM). Inadequate resolution of inflammation is related to several chronic inflammatory diseases and several studies have proven the crucial role of SPMs in improving these diseases. In this review, we will give an overview on processes involved in UF growth and will give an overview on the modern view regarding the concept of inflammation and the role of SPMs in resolution of inflammation, especially in chronic inflammatory diseases. Full article

The venom of Bothrops jararaca (BjV) induces intense and prolonged pain, which is not alleviated by antivenom, along with hemorrhage and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediator (SPM) maresin 2 (MaR2) in a murine model of BjV-evoked pain and inflammation. Mice received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of MaR2 30 min before the intraplantar BjV injection. MaR2 treatment significantly attenuated mechanical (electronic aesthesiometer) and thermal (hot plate) hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, MaR2 restored the balance for the hind-paw static weight distribution. When BjV (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg) stimulus was administered intraperitoneally, pre-treatment with MaR2 (0.3, 1, or 3 ng) ameliorated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, MaR2 (3 ng) effectively reduced the levels of myeloperoxidase activity and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and superoxide anion (O₂^•−) production induced by intraplantar injection of BjV while enhancing total antioxidant levels (ABTS scavenging). For the peritonitis model induced by BjV, MaR2 pretreatment decreased leukocyte recruitment, hemorrhage, nitric oxide (NO), and O₂^•− generation and gp91phox and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. In conclusion, this study presents the first evidence that MaR2 effectively mitigated BjV-induced pain, hemorrhage, and inflammation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV) is characterized by chronic vulvar pain upon light touch to the vestibule, a specialized ring of tissue immediately surrounding the vaginal opening. LPV affects about 14 million people in the US, yet the etiopathology of the disease is unknown. In LPV, the vestibule expresses elevated levels of the pro-nociceptive pro-inflammatory mediators prostaglandin E₂ (PGE2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which corresponds to lower pain thresholds. Previous studies have shown reduced amounts of arachidonic acid (AA)-derived pro-resolving lipid mediators in tissue biopsies from LPV patients that might impede the resolution of inflammation. AA is obtained from dietary linoleic acid, pointing to a defect in the metabolism of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in LPV. We aimed to further explore the involvement of AA metabolism in LPV, which appears dysregulated in the vestibule of LPV patients and culminates in chronic inflammation and chronic pain. Methods: Vestibular and vulvar tissue biopsies obtained from LPV and non-LPV patients were used to generate fibroblast strains and assessed for COX/LOX expression using qRT-PCR. Fibroblast strains were treated with inflammatory stimuli, and then COX-1 and COX-2 expression was assessed using Western blot analysis. Pro-inflammatory mediator production was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). ALOX5 and ALOX12 expression was assessed using qRT-PCR. Finally, lipidomic analysis was carried out to screen for 143 lipid metabolites following inflammatory challenge. Results: Tissue and fibroblasts from LPV patients exhibited altered expression of COX/LOX enzymes and production of AA-derived lipid mediators compared to non-LPV patients. Conclusions: Lipid profiles of tissue and vestibular fibroblasts from LPV patients differed from non-LPV patients, and this difference was attributed to differential COX/LOX expression and activity, which metabolizes AA derived from dietary linoleic acid. This dysregulation fosters chronic inflammation and reduced resolution capacity in LPV patients, causing chronic pain. While further work is needed, these findings suggest that dietary modifications could impact the LPV mechanism. Full article