NITRIC OXIDE AND BIOACTIVE LIPIDS IN THE IMMUNE RESPONSE

There are many evidences for the involvement of lipid mediators such as prostanoids and cholesterol derivatives in the modulation of inflammatory and cardiovascular pathophysiology. Prostanoids have important roles in physiological processes such as renal and vascular homeostasis, as well as having a central role in the inflammatory process. Furthermore, LXRs receptors and their ligands, among which are oxysterols, have demonstrated an important role in regulating cholesterol transport and lipid metabolism, while showing anti-inflammatory properties via regulation of gene expression. Our research focuses on the study of the molecular basis of the actions of these lipid mediators in inflammatory processes, with special attention to their implications in cardiovascular pathophysiology, using cellular and animal models.