Resolvins, protectins and other lipid mediators in obesity-associated inflammatory disorders

Persistent inflammation in adipose tissue is a key feature in the pathophysiology of obesity-related comorbidities. Increasing evidence supports the view that the presence of a chronic ‘low-grade’ inflammatory state in adipose tissue during obesity is the likely consequence of a ‘resolution deficit’ that prevents the return to tissue homeostasis. This article describes state-of-the-art knowledge and novel insight into the role of the recently described omega-3-PUFA-derived lipid autacoids termed resolvins and protectins. These lipid mediators display potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties and may work as endogenous ‘stop signals’ associated with the resolution of adipose tissue inflammation.