How the Body’s Own ‘Resolution’ Molecules May Influence Artery Plaque Buildup

This mini-review looks at atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaques inside artery walls, from the angle of chronic inflammation that never fully switches off. The authors focus on a family of naturally occurring lipid molecules called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), also referred to as immunoresolvents, which include lipoxins made from arachidonic acid, and resolvins, protectins, and maresins made from the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA.

Normally, these molecules help the body clear away dying immune cells and debris (a process called efferocytosis) so inflammation resolves and tissue can heal. The review explains that in atherosclerosis, this cleanup process can become impaired, allowing dead macrophages and fat-laden foam cells to accumulate into a necrotic core, a feature associated with more unstable, higher-risk plaques.

Based on published research gathered from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, the authors summarize evidence that an imbalance between inflammation-promoting lipid signals and these pro-resolving mediators is closely tied to failed inflammation resolution in atherosclerosis and other chronic inflammatory conditions.