Role of bioactive lipid mediators in obese adipose tissue inflammation and endocrine dysfunction

•Endocrine function of adipose tissue is dysfunctional in obese individuals.•A myriad of lipid mediators of different origin are produced in obese adipose tissue.•Bioactive lipid mediators generated from polyunsaturated fatty acids play a homeostatic role in adipose tissue function.•Omega-3 derived lipid mediators promote the resolution of adipose tissue inflammation.•Resolution of inflammation in adipose tissue prevents the development of obesity comorbidities.

White adipose tissue is recognized as an active endocrine organ implicated in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. However, adipose tissue function, which has a crucial role in the development of obesity-related comorbidities including insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is dysregulated in obese individuals. This review explores the physiological functions and molecular actions of bioactive lipids biosynthesized in adipose tissue including sphingolipids and phospholipids, and in particular fatty acids derived from phospholipids of the cell membrane. Special emphasis is given to polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-6 and omega-3 families and their conversion to bioactive lipid mediators through the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. The participation of omega-3-derived lipid autacoids in the resolution of adipose tissue inflammation and in the prevention of obesity-associated hepatic complications is also thoroughly discussed.