Resolvin D2: a potent anti-inflammatory compound produced from omega-3 fatty acids

Fish oils are known to be beneficial to health, but how and why they produce anti-inflammatory effects remains to be fully determined. Our study (supported by a Foundation Fellowship of the Arthritis Research Campaing to Dr Lucy Norling), in association with Serhan’s group at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, revealed that the body converts an ingredient found in fish oils into a chemical mediator called Resolvin D2 (RvD2): we have defined the chemical structure of RvD2 and determined its potent tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings were published in the October 29 issue of Nature.