Resolvin biosynthetic pathway

Resolvin production refers to the endogenous biosynthetic pathway responsible for generating specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [1, 2]. This metabolic process is orchestrated by several key enzymes, including 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) [1, 3, 4]. A significant pharmacological feature of this pathway is its interaction with aspirin; when COX-2 is acetylated by aspirin, its enzymatic activity is redirected to produce 'aspirin-triggered' resolvins (AT-RVs), which are potent isomers with enhanced metabolic stability [2, 17]. Resolvins play a fundamental role in the active resolution of inflammation, a physiological process distinct from the simple passive decay of pro-inflammatory signals [8, 11]. They act via specific G-protein-coupled receptors to limit neutrophil recruitment, promote the clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages (efferocytosis), and facilitate tissue homeostasis [9, 16]. Dysregulation of resolvin production is a hallmark of chronic inflammatory states, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative conditions [4, 9, 11]. Consequently, this pathway is a major focus for therapeutic strategies involving omega-3 supplementation and the development of synthetic resolvin mimetics aimed at treating unresolved chronic inflammation [11, 14].

Other names

Resolvin productionSpecialized pro-resolving mediator biosynthesisSPM productionResolvin synthesis

Enhancement of the resolvin biosynthetic pathway through the provision of omega-3 fatty acid substrates (EPA and DHA) and the pharmacological modification of COX-2 activity via aspirin-mediated acetylation to trigger the production of aspirin-triggered resolvins (AT-RVs).