Life sciences
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Previous data showed that melatonin maintains liver mitochondrial homeostasis during sepsis, but neither the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction nor the target of melatonin are known. ⋯ This work strengthens the use of substrate combinations to identify specific respiratory defects and selective melatonin actions in septic mitochondria. Targeting mitochondrial complex I should be a main therapeutical approach in the treatment of sepsis, whereas the use of melatonin should be considered in the therapy of clinical sepsis.
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Impaired resolution of acute inflammation results in development of chronic inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis, asthma and arthritis. Clearance of apoptotic neutrophils by M2 macrophages, the process termed efferocytosis, is critical for complete resolution of inflammation as it prevents secondary necrosis caused by disgorgement of toxic contents from apoptotic cells in the inflamed site. In the present study, we investigated the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on efferocytosis. ⋯ These findings indicate that DHA can promote resolution of inflammation by facilitating efferocytosis through M2 macrophage polarization. Therefore, DHA may have a therapeutic potential in the management of inflammatory diseases which are related to impaired resolution of inflammation.