Nitrated fatty acid, 10-nitrooleate protects against hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury in mice

Role of mitochondria in inflammatory lung diseases

Mitochondria play a significant and varied role in inflammatory lung disorders. Mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell because of their role in producing energy, are now recognized as crucial regulators of inflammation and immunological responses. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome are characterized by complex interactions between immune cells, inflammatory substances, and tissue damage. Dysfunctional mitochondria can increase the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering inflammatory pathways. Moreover, mitochondrial failure impacts cellular signaling, which in turn affects the expression of molecules that promote inflammation. In addition, mitochondria have a crucial role in controlling the behavior of immune cells, such as their activation and differentiation, which is essential in the development of inflammatory lung diseases. Their dynamic behavior, encompassing fusion, fission, and mitophagy, also impacts cellular responses to inflammation and oxidative stress. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate correlation between mitochondria and lung inflammation is essential in order to develop accurate treatment strategies. Targeting ROS generation, dynamics, and mitochondrial function may offer novel approaches to treating inflammatory lung diseases while minimizing tissue damage. Additional investigation into the precise contributions of mitochondria to lung inflammation will provide significant knowledge regarding disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches. This review will focus on how mitochondria in the lung regulate these processes and their involvement in acute and chronic lung diseases.

The role of fatty acid metabolism in acute lung injury: a special focus on immunometabolism

Reputable evidence from multiple studies suggests that excessive and uncontrolled inflammation plays an indispensable role in mediating, amplifying, and protracting acute lung injury (ALI). Traditionally, immunity and energy metabolism are regarded as separate functions regulated by distinct mechanisms, but recently, more and more evidence show that immunity and energy metabolism exhibit a strong interaction which has given rise to an emerging field of immunometabolism. Mammalian lungs are organs with active fatty acid metabolism, however, during ALI, inflammation and oxidative stress lead to a series metabolic reprogramming such as impaired fatty acid oxidation, increased expression of proteins involved in fatty acid uptake and transport, enhanced synthesis of fatty acids, and accumulation of lipid droplets. In addition, obesity represents a significant risk factor for ALI/ARDS. Thus, we have further elucidated the mechanisms of obesity exacerbating ALI from the perspective of fatty acid metabolism. To sum up, this paper presents a systematical review of the relationship between extensive fatty acid metabolic pathways and acute lung injury and summarizes recent advances in understanding the involvement of fatty acid metabolism-related pathways in ALI. We hold an optimistic believe that targeting fatty acid metabolism pathway is a promising lung protection strategy, but the specific regulatory mechanisms are way too complex, necessitating further extensive and in-depth investigations in future studies.

Fatty acid nitroalkenes - Multi-target agents for the treatment of sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary hematological disease with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Despite being monogenic, SCD patients display a plethora of disease-associated complications including anemia, oxidative stress, sterile inflammation, vaso-occlusive crisis-related pain, and vasculopathy, all of which contribute to multiorgan dysfunction and failure. Over the past decade, numerous small molecule drugs, biologics, and gene-based interventions have been evaluated; however, only four disease-modifying drug therapies are presently FDA approved. Barriers regarding effectiveness, accessibility, affordability, tolerance, and compliance of the current polypharmacy-based disease-management approaches are challenging. As such, there is an unmet pharmacological need for safer, more efficacious, and logistically accessible treatment options for SCD patients. Herein, we evaluate the potential of small molecule nitroalkenes such as nitro-fatty acid (NO2-FA) as a therapy for SCD. These agents are electrophilic and exert anti-inflammatory and tissue repair effects through an ability to transiently post-translationally bind to and modify transcription factors, pro-inflammatory enzymes and cell signaling mediators. Preclinical and clinical studies affirm safety of the drug class and a murine model of SCD reveals protection against inflammation, fibrosis, and vascular dysfunction. Despite protective cardiac, renal, pulmonary, and central nervous system effects of nitroalkenes, they have not previously been considered as therapy for SCD. We highlight the pathways targeted by this drug class, which can potentially prevent the end-organ damage associated with SCD and contrast their prospective therapeutic benefits for SCD as opposed to current polypharmacy approaches.