<p class="first" id="P2">Fatty acid drug discovery (FADD) is defined as the identification
of novel, specialized
bioactive mediators that are derived from fatty acids and have precise pharmacological/therapeutic
potential. A number of reports indicate that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids
and limited intake of omega-6 promotes overall health benefits. In 1929, Burr and
Burr indicated the significant role of essential fatty acids for survival and functional
health of many organs. In reference to specific dietary benefits of differential omega-3
fatty acids, docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids (DHA and EPA) are transformed
to monohydroxy, dihydroxy, trihydroxy, and other complex mediators during infection,
injury, and exercise to resolve inflammation. The presented FADD approach describes
the metabolic transformation of DHA and EPA in response to injury, infection, and
exercise to govern uncontrolled inflammation. Metabolic transformation of DHA and
EPA into a number of pro-resolving molecules exemplifies a novel, inexpensive approach
compared to traditional, expensive drug discovery. DHA and EPA have been recommended
for prevention of cardiovascular disease since 1970. Therefore, the FADD approach
is relevant to cardiovascular disease and resolution of inflammation in many injury
models. Future research demands identification of novel action targets, receptors
for biomolecules, mechanism(s), and drug-interactions with resolvins in order to maintain
homeostasis.
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