Lipoxins in inflammation.

Lipoxins and ATL appear to be the first recognized members of a new class of endogenous mediator that are anti-inflammatory or serve for the "pro-resolution" of inflammation. PGE2 can and may display anti-inflammatory properties in certain settings, but in most cases, it enhances inflammation in vivo. This is likely the result of numerous receptor isoforms and differential coupled mechanisms for PGE2 and its diverse role in human physiology. Since the integrated response of the host is essential to health and disease, it is important to achieve a more complete understanding of the molecular and cellular events governing the formation and actions of endogenous mediators of resolution that appear to control the magnitude and duration of inflammation. In view of the present body of evidence, it is not surprising that a protective action for inhibition of COX-2 was found in cardiovascular disease. Characterizing useful experimental systems with clinically relevant endpoints will also take a multidisciplinary approach and require a shift in our current thinking about inflammation and the role of lipid mediators.