SPECIALIZED PRO-RESOLVING MEDIATORS (SPM)

What are specialized pro-resolving mediators?

Specialized pro-resolving mediators, or SPMs, are fatty substances produced within the body that work to reduce inflammation.

What do specialized pro-resolving mediators do in the body?

SPMs have many functions, including ending chronic inflammatory processes, reducing pain, affecting innate and adaptive immune cells, clearing dead cells and debris, breaking down blood clots, and attacking pathogens. SPMs can also help support tissue regeneration [^[1]].

SPMs are bioactive lipids (fats) that occur via the breakdown of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids after the inflammatory cascade has started. They may aid in the inflammatory process that helps resolve the inflammation. This is why SPMs could help improve the overall course of heart and lung tissue inflammation events. SPMs also have many other immune functions, such as regulating macrophages, cytokine production, and stimulation of macrophages that resolve inflammatory courses [^[2]].

The list of SPM compounds includes lipids (fats) such as lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins [^[3]]. Lipoxins are anti-inflammatory, pro-inflammation resolution molecules that can reduce chronic inflammation and tissue injury [^[4]]. Resolvins and protectins are derived from omega-3 fatty acids and work to resolve inflammation [^[5]]. Maresins are analgesic and anti-inflammatory macrophages that mediate the resolution of inflammation [^[6]].

How can specialized pro-resolving mediators help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and pathophysiology? 

Prolonged inflammation after COVID-19’s acute phase is over can damage tissues in the brain, lungs, and kidney [^[7]]. SPM’s role in resolving pro-inflammatory processes can help Long COVID survivors with the resolution phase of inflammation, improving the overall course of chronic inflammation.