Maresins: anti-inflammatory pro-resolving mediators with therapeutic potential

Q.-F. Li, H. Hao, W.-S. Tu, N. Guo, X.-Y. Zhou

The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, P.R. China. zhouxiaoyan@ncu.edu.cn

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• Pharmacology

Although inflammation is protective of the body, uncontrolled acute inflammatory reactions may inflict tissue damage and lead to chronic inflammation. There is a fast-growing research interest in mechanisms that mediate regression of inflammation and actions of anti-inflammatory factors. Studies of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms have uncovered roles for new lipid mediators, including lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins, collectively referred to as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM). Maresins have recently been discovered and are biosynthesized from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by macrophages and display strong anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving activities. Here, we summarize the actions and mechanisms of maresins in different diseases and suggest possible therapeutic uses.

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