Specialized pro-resolving mediators in cardiovascular diseases

Mol Aspects Med. 2017 Dec:58:65-71. doi: 10.1016/j.mam.2017.02.003. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Abstract

The resolution of inflammation is a highly regulated process enacted by endogenous mediators including specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs): the lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins. SPMs activate specific cellular receptors to temper the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, diminish the recruitment of neutrophils, and promote the clearance of dead cells by macrophages. These mediators also enhance host-defense and couple resolution of inflammation to subsequent phases of tissue repair. Given that unresolved inflammation plays a causal role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, an understanding of these endogenous pro-resolving processes is critical for determining why cardiovascular inflammation does not resolve. Here, we discuss the receptor-dependent actions of resolvins and related pro-resolving mediators and highlight their emerging roles in the cardiovascular system. We propose that stimulating resolution could be a novel approach for treating chronic cardiovascular inflammation without promoting immunosuppression.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Resolution of inflammation; Specialized pro-resolving mediators.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis / drug therapy
  • Atherosclerosis / etiology
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism
  • Atherosclerosis / pathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism*
  • Inflammation Mediators / therapeutic use
  • Ischemia / etiology
  • Ischemia / metabolism
  • Myocardial Infarction / drug therapy
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology
  • Myocardial Infarction / metabolism
  • Myocardial Infarction / pathology
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Peptides / therapeutic use
  • Platelet Activation
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Thrombosis / metabolism

Substances

  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Peptides