Lipoxins as biomarkers of lupus and other inflammatory conditions

Inflammatory events persist in systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) despite the use of anti-inflammatory (both steroidal and non-steroidal) and immunosuppressive drugs leading to delay in the healing/repair process and so tissue/organ damage continues. The continuation of inflammation in lupus could be attributed to failure of the resolution process due to deficiency of potent endogenous pro-resolution-inducing molecules such as lipoxin A4 (LXA4). It is likely that progression and flares of lupus and lupus nephritis are due to decreased formation and release of LXA4. Hence, administration of LXA4 and its analogues could be of benefit in lupus. Furthermore, plasma and urinary measurement of lipoxins may be used to predict prognosis and response to therapy. It is likely that lipoxins and other bioactive anti-inflammatory lipids such as resolvins, protectins, maresins and nitrolipids play a significant role in other auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis and hence, could be of significant benefit in these diseases.