Eicosanoids and flavonoids in asthma: Bridging inflammatory pathways and therapeutic potential

Eicosanoids are lipid signaling molecules derived from arachidonic acid that play crucial roles in immune responses and the regulation of inflammation. This review explores the various eicosanoid families-prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and lipoxins-and their involvement in airway inflammation and asthma pathogenesis. We performed a comprehensive PubMed search for relevant preclinical (animal) and clinical (human) studies using the keywords "eicosanoids," "asthma," "airway inflammation," and "flavonoids." Evidence from these sources highlights how eicosanoids orchestrate inflammatory pathways in the lungs, contributing to bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and immune cell recruitment. Dysregulation of these lipid mediators can exacerbate chronic airway inflammation and asthma severity. Additionally, we examine the therapeutic potential of flavonoids-a class of polyphenolic compounds known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects-in modulating eicosanoid pathways. Early findings suggest that certain flavonoids can dampen eicosanoid-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially improve airway function, and reduce asthma symptoms. Mechanistically, flavonoids may inhibit key enzymes in eicosanoid synthesis (cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases), thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. We discuss how targeting lipid-based signaling pathways with flavonoid interventions might complement existing asthma therapies by addressing underlying inflammatory mechanisms. In conclusion, eicosanoid pathways play a pivotal role in asthma pathophysiology, and their modulation represents a promising avenue for intervention. This review underscores the need for further preclinical and clinical studies to deepen our understanding of eicosanoid-driven inflammation in asthma and to validate flavonoid-based therapeutic approaches in asthma management.