Eicosanoids, SPM & Vascular Pharmacology

Introduction

Eicosanoids are metabolites of arachidonic acid derived from the action of the cyclooxygenase (cyclooxygenase pathway) or lypoxygenase enzymatic pathways. These metabolites may control the smooth muscle tone, the cell proliferation and migration in human vascular bed. Most of our present studies concern the 8 different prostanoid receptor subtypes (DP, EP1-4, FP, IP, TP) activated by prostaglandins and/or thromboxane and the enzymatic activities ( COX-1, COX-2, mPGES...) involved in the cyclooxygenase pathway. The roles of prostanoids in the human vascular wall are investigated in physiological and pathophysiological conditions (pulmonary hypertension, systemic hypertension, varicosity, atherosclerosis, aneurysm, preeclamsia).

On the other hand, n-3 PUFA, like (Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) mainly found in fish oils and their metabolites (Resolvin (Rv), Protectin (PD), Maresin (MaR)), are involved in the resolution of inflammation. These specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM) have been recently reported to be protective against cardiovascular events and pulmonary inflammation.