3. Resolvins

Summary

Resolvins are one of a number of specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) produced by the body, particularly with the Mediterranean Diet. Their production can be boosted by low dose aspirin and oily fish. COVID-19 kills through the body’s overreaction. Aged patients lose the capability to resolve the cascading inflammation. Resolvins can help put the brakes on inflammation by deactivating the NLRP3 inflammosome. (3a, 3b). This new paper tries to get the word out.

Discovered almost 20 years ago by Charles Serhan and his Harvard team, Resolvins effect on inflammation has seen growing recognition in relation to many diseases, including cancer. Cancer treatments are double-edged swords. They and COVID-19 have Cytokine Storms in common, along with the possible need for a softer, less aggressive, and less fatal, response. [Timeline - Click on “v” to expand]

Research supports the individual health benefits of aspirin and Omega-3 (found in oily fish). However, it is their combination that is “magic” in resolving inflammation. The production of Resolvins from fish oil is boosted by a chemical reaction with low dose aspirin.  The aspirin acts as a trigger for the fish oil to produce more Resolvins.

They come together naturally in the Mediterranean Diet as the vegetables in that diet, along with berries and nuts, are also high in salicylate acid (aspirin).  Another reason for the good press the anti-inflammatory Mediterranean Diet receives.

To help your body tolerate COVID-19, reducing inflammation is important. “For any infectious disease, part of the symptoms and damage are caused by the germ itself, while part is caused by our immune system responding to the infection,” [NG]

As we age, we lose the ability to easily turn off the inflammatory response, which is a deadly problem with COVID-19. 90% of flu deaths are the aged in part because they lose their ability to turn off an inflammatory response.(1a)

Most COVID-19 intensive care admissions are for  respiratory support. The combo of aspirin and Omega-3 assists even the more serious cases. The added burden of a cascading inflammatory response to COVID-19 complicates recovery in those with co-morbidities like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and those with chronic respiratory illnesses such as cystic fibrosis and asthma. A prolonged, complicated recovery, also ties up hospital beds for longer than necessary. The ideal outcome leads to tissue restoration and organ function.   [NRM]

The science involves Resolvins deactivating the NLRP3 inflammosome, hence we believe Resolvins can help with COVID-19. (3a, 3b)

See the Omega 3 Factsheet on how to produce more Resolvins.