resolvin-d2 and Cardiovascular-Diseases

Non-resolving inflammation is an underpinning of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis. The resolution of inflammation is an active and highly coordinated process that involves the generation of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), and other factors including proteins, gases, and nucleotides. SPMs comprise a superfamily of lipid mediators that includes lipoxins, resolvins, maresins and protectins. SPMs act through distinct G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and have been extensively studied in animal models of cardiovascular diseases. An emerging body of literature suggests that SPMs have protective roles in atherosclerosis as demonstrated using specific SPM as well as mice deficient in their receptors. This review will highlight a relatively new pro-resolving signaling axis, namely Resolvin D2-GPR18, and how understanding detailed mechanisms and cellular specificity of this signaling axis may help inform the development of more targeted pro-resolution therapies for atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular pathologies.

Topics: Animals; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Mice; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled

Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of the initiation and progression of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMDs). Anti-inflammation strategies and those that promote inflammation resolution have gradually become potential therapeutic approaches for CVMDs. Resolvin D2 (RvD2), a specialized pro-resolving mediator, exerts anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution effects through its receptor GPR18, a G protein-coupled receptor. Recently, the RvD2/GPR18 axis has received more attention due to its protective role in CVMDs, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischaemiareperfusion, and diabetes. Here, we introduce basic information about RvD2 and GPR18, summarize their roles in different immune cells, and review the therapeutic potential of the RvD2/GPR18 axis in CVMDs. In summary, RvD2 and its receptor GPR18 play an important role in the occurrence and development of CVMDs and are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Humans; Inflammation; Metabolic Diseases; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled

Essentials Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) promote the resolution of inflammation. This study sought to investigate the effects of SPMs on human platelet function. The SPM, Maresin 1, enhanced hemostatic, but suppressed inflammatory functions of platelets. SPMs uniquely regulate platelet function and may represent a new class of antiplatelet agents.. Background Antiplatelet therapy is a cornerstone of modern medical practice and is routinely employed to reduce the likelihood of myocardial infarction, thrombosis and stroke. However, current antiplatelet therapies, such as aspirin, often have adverse side-effects, including increased risk of bleeding, and some patients are relatively 'aspirin-resistant'. Platelets are intimately involved in hemostasis and inflammation, and clinical consequences are associated with excessive or insufficient platelet activation. Objectives A major unmet need in the field of hematology is the development of new agents that safely prevent unwanted platelet activation in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease, while minimizing the risk of bleeding. Here, we investigate the potential of endogenously produced, specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) as novel antiplatelet agents. SPMs are a recently discovered class of lipid-derived molecules that drive the resolution of inflammation without being overtly immunosuppressive. Methods Human platelets were treated with lipoxin A4, resolvin D1, resolvin D2, 17-HDHA or maresin 1 for 15 min, then were subjected to platelet function tests, including spreading, aggregation and inflammatory mediator release. Results We show for the first time that human platelets express the SPM receptors, GPR32 and ALX. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that maresin 1 differentially regulates platelet hemostatic function by enhancing platelet aggregation and spreading, while suppressing release of proinflammatory and prothrombotic mediators. Conclusions These data support the concept that SPMs differentially regulate platelet function and may represent a novel class of antiplatelet agents. SPMs also may play an important role in the resolution of inflammation in cardiovascular diseases.

Topics: Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Blood Platelets; Cardiovascular Diseases; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Hemostasis; Humans; Inflammation; Lipoxins; Myocardial Infarction; Phenotype; Platelet Activation; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Platelet Function Tests; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled