El acido araquidonico y la respuesta inflamatoria / Arachidonic acid and inflammatory response

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this review is to present an update on the role of arachidonic acid and its metabolites, the "eicosanoids", in the inflammatory response. In order to make this a more comprehensive and concise article, I have emphasized the origin and fate of these biologically active products, rather than explain complex biochemical reactions. Consideration is given to mechanisms of action of anti-inflammatory agents currently in use and, to some extent, to the most revolutionary approach, namely lipid mediators and dietary manipulation. Hopefully, the current knowledge, will provide a basis for better understanding of the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases, and in so doing, will open new avenues for the treatment of systemic inflammatory diseases.