Differential Profile of Proinflammatory/Proresolving Lipid Mediators in Acute Inflammation Model using Young and Old Skin Biopsies

To the Editor, Bioactive lipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contribute to skin health through a fine and a spatiotemporal control of inflammation and immune response [1]. Arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) are the most predominant essential fatty acids in human skin [2]. They are precursors for synthesis of mediators that are pro-inflammatory or that actively end this process and named for this specific effect, specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs). Upon induction of inflammation resolution, cells that initially triggered inflammation undergo a biochemical paradigm shift, known as “lipid mediator class switch”, during which they stop producing classical proinflammatory mediators and start to actively synthesize SPMs. These include AA-derived lipoxins (LXA4 and LXB4), EPA-derived resolvins and DHA-derived resolvins, protectins and maresins [3].