Bioactive lipids in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a low-grade systemic inflammatory condition and a dynamic process. Recent evidences suggest that anti-inflammatory products of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as lipoxins, resolvins, maresins and nitrolipids play a significant role in atherosclerosis by modulating the functions of platelets, leukocytes and macrophages and by protecting endothelial cells from the actions of reactive oxygen species. Hence, methods designed to enhance the formation of these bioactive anti-inflammatory lipids could be employed in the prevention and management of atherosclerosis.