Resolvins
Encyclopedia
Resolvins are compounds that are made by the human body from the omega-3 fatty acid
s eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA). They are produced by the COX-2
pathway especially in the presence of aspirin
. Experimental evidence indicates that resolvins reduce cellular inflammation
by inhibiting the production and transportation of inflammatory cells and chemicals to the sites of inflammation.
Other biological actions have been reported, with therapeutical potential such as a reduction in inflammatory pain.
The EPA-derived resolvins are nonclassic eicosanoid
s.
Omega-3 fatty acid
N−3 fatty acids are essential unsaturated fatty acids with a double bond starting after the third carbon atom from the end of the carbon chain....
s eicosapentaenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid. In physiological literature, it is given the name 20:5. It also has the trivial name timnodonic acid...
(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid
Docosahexaenoic acid
Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the human brain and retina. In chemical structure, DHA is a carboxylic acid with a 22-carbon chain and six cis double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end...
(DHA). They are produced by the COX-2
Cyclooxygenase
Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that is responsible for formation of important biological mediators called prostanoids, including prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane. Pharmacological inhibition of COX can provide relief from the symptoms of inflammation and pain...
pathway especially in the presence of aspirin
Aspirin
Aspirin , also known as acetylsalicylic acid , is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication. It was discovered by Arthur Eichengrun, a chemist with the German company Bayer...
. Experimental evidence indicates that resolvins reduce cellular inflammation
Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...
by inhibiting the production and transportation of inflammatory cells and chemicals to the sites of inflammation.
Other biological actions have been reported, with therapeutical potential such as a reduction in inflammatory pain.
The EPA-derived resolvins are nonclassic eicosanoid
Nonclassic eicosanoid
Nonclassic eicosanoids are biologically active signaling molecules made by oxygenation of twenty-carbon fatty acids other than the classic eicosanoids.-Terminology:"Eicosanoid" is the collective...
s.