Low salivary resolvin D1 to leukotriene B4 ratio predicts carotid intima media thickness: A novel biomarker of non-resolving vascular inflammation

Abstract

Background Different lipid mediators may have opposing effects on vascular inflammation. For example, whereas leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) transduces inflammation, resolvin D1 (RvD1), which is synthesized from the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, facilitates the resolution of inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the association of the RvD1/LTB₄ ratio with subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods Saliva samples and ultrasound measurements of the intima media thickness of the carotid artery was obtained for 254 participants. The lipid mediators RvD1 and LTB₄ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Participants with a salivary RvD1/LTB₄ ratio >1 had a significantly lower intima media thickness than those in whom LTB₄ prevailed. The salivary RvD1/LTB4 ratio independently predicted carotid intima media thickness. Conclusions The ratio between the proresolving and proinflammatory salivary lipid mediators RvD1 and LTB₄ may serve as a biomarker of non-resolving inflammation and its relation to intima media thickness in cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; eicosanoids; lipid mediators; resolution of inflammation.