[Pro-resolving lipid mediators in inflammatory lung diseases]

Uncontrolled inflammation of the lung contributes to the major medical and economic burden on healthcare, and the need for therapeutics to dampen pathological inflammation is largely unmet. Recently, a new genus of anti-inflammatory/ pro-resolving lipid mediators has been identified: Lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins. These compounds are enzymatically derived from the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that have long been known to have beneficial health properties. These mediators have potent anti-inflammatory effects IN VITRO and IN VIVO in murine models of lung inflammation. Therefore, this group of compounds carries considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment of many inflammatory lung diseases including asthma, cystic fibrosis and acute lung injury.