Lipoxins: novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics?

Lipoxins (LX) are endogenously produced eicosanoids that promote the resolution of inflammation. Here we review the accumulating evidence that LX act as potent modulators of leukocyte trafficking in model systems in vitro and in vivo. Of particular interest are indications that aspirin-triggered epi-LX and synthetic LX combine many of the desirable anti-inflammatory actions of LX with enhanced stability and bioavailability. Such synthetic analogs have potential as novel therapeutics. Furthermore, the bioactivities of the aspirin triggered LX may account for some of the well-documented prostaglandin-independent anti-inflammatory actions of aspirin.