Polysaturated fatty acids and their derivatives regulate respiratory infections

Abstract

The regulation of inflammation is a complex pathophysiological process that depends on the production of oxygenated lipid derivatives essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, among which are the lipoxins resolvins and protectins, called specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM). Their activity is associated with the control of respiratory infection processes to modulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines, avoiding damage due to inflammation-associated necrosis, reducing microbial loads, and promoting tissue remodeling. Therefore, we review some of the biochemical, physiological and immunological aspects of SPM in the regulation of inflammation in respiratory infections.