Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are beneficial as coadjuvant therapy in Rheumatoid arthritis patients, with indication for efficacy in reducing joint pain, morning stiffness and NSAID usage. It is likely that they exert beneficial effects through specific molecular mechanisms, which have been poorly investigated. Recent work has identified that omega-3 PUFA; eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid can be enzymatically converted in vivo to novel bioactive lipid mediators, which promote the resolution of inflammation and are log-orders more potent than their precursors, termed resolvins. Delivery of resolvins, such as Resolvin D1 or D2, affords potent tissue protection in a variety of disease models, from lung inflammation to sepsis, from ocular to periodontal disease. I will discuss how resolvins exert inhibitory effects on acute inflammation and how these findings may be translated to relevant models of inflammatory arthritis.

Definition of the mode of action of omega-3 PUFA can lead to the development of novel therapeutics, active at lower dosages, able to activate tissue-specific reparative circuit with beneficial effects in arthritis.

I acknowledge the contribution of my colleague, Dr Lucy Norling. Our work on omega-3-derived resolvins is supported by Arthritis Research UK

Disclosure of Interest None Declared