Resolvins and protectins: Natural pharmacophores for resolution biology

Dietary ingestion of fish is associated with a reduced risk for many common human illnesses. Fish oils are enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Resolvins and protectins are newly discovered mediators that are enzymatically generated from these n-3 fatty acid precursors to orchestrate inflammation resolution. These natural compounds and their mimetics are providing intriguing evidence in model systems and translational research for cellular and molecular mechanisms that are active during catabasis. This review provides information on the biosynthesis and actions of these recently identified chemical mediators with particular reference to resolution of mucosal inflammatory responses.