Effect of specialized pro-resolving mediators on knee joint inflammation.

Abstract

Chronic inflammation following knee injuries often results in persistent knee pain and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Understanding the inflammatory processes that follow a joint injury is crucial to effectively mitigate PTOA progression. While inflammation is an integral part of any healing response, unresolved, long-lasting inflammation can be detrimental to the joint. The resolution of inflammation is an active process coordinated by pro-resolving molecules, including specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). While SPMs have been primarily studied in chronic inflammatory diseases, their role in degenerative knee conditions such as PTOA remains underexplored. This review examines the process of inflammation and its resolution following knee joint injuries and subsequent PTOA, with a focus on the impact of SPMs. SPMs play a key role in the resolution of inflammation and may offer potential benefits in the management of knee injuries to improve pain and prevent PTOA.