Potential role of omega-3-derived resolution mediators in metabolic inflammation

In its most reduced form, metabolic inflammation can be best described as a maladaptive process that involves an integrated innate and acquired immune response to nutrient surplus. Although originally these events were thought to be restricted to the expanding adipose depots of obese individuals, there are increasing reports that other metabolic centers such as the gut, liver, skeletal muscle and hypothalamus are also foci for metabolic inflammation. This review presents an overview of the major events and players identified thus far as central components of metabolic inflammation, and will examine recent findings concerning a novel class of omega-3-derived bioactive lipids that suggest that altered resolution processes may also contribute to metabolic inflammation.