Figure 2.

Omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DPA, and DHA give rise to various specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) following release from membrane phospholipids. The O3FAs in the membrane are released enzymatically by PLA₂ before conversion to bioactive, anti-inflammatory downstream metabolites by P450, 12/15-LOX, COX-2, and acetylated COX-2. These metabolites mediate various anti-inflammatory effects and modulate the transcriptome in resolving inflammation and reducing cytokine activity. 5-NGT, 5-nitrosoglutathione; COX, Cyclooxygenase; EH, epoxide hydrolase; LOX, lipoxygenase; Mar, Maresin; PD, Protectin; PLA₂, phospholipase A₂; RvE, E-series resolvins; RvD, D-series resolvins.