Resolvins as proresolving inflammatory mediators in cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a global burden with a prevalence that continues increasing progressively. CVD comprises a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease. This group of disorders is associated with an inflammatory process which can participate in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Inflammation resolution is an active process involving the participation of pro-resolving mediators such as lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins. Pro-resolving mediators are bioactive molecules generated from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); among these eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n3) are the precursors of resolvins. Pro-resolving mediators orchestrate the correct resolution of inflammation and also stimulate tissue regeneration. Their deregulation can lead to chronic inflammation involving CVD. The discovery of these novel lipid mediators opens a new range of possibilities for the design of anti-inflammatory agents with therapeutic potential for a wide variety of diseases. The present work summarizes the available data about the general characteristics, structure and biosynthesis of resolvins and their relation as protective compounds in CVD.