Inflammatory signaling and metabolic regulation by nitro-fatty acids

The addition of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) to the double bond of unsaturated fatty acids yields an array of electrophilic nitro-fatty acids (NO₂-FA) with unique biochemical and signaling properties. During the last decade, NO₂-FA have been shown to exert a protective role in various inflammatory and metabolic disorders. NO₂-FA exert their biological effects primarily by regulating two central physiological adaptive responses: the canonical inflammatory signaling and metabolic pathways. In this mini-review, we summarize current knowledge on the regulatory role of NO₂-FA in the inflammatory and metabolic response via regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), master regulators of inflammation and metabolism. Moreover, the engagement of novel signaling and metabolic pathways influenced by NO₂-FA, beyond NF-κB and PPAR signaling, is discussed herein.