Clinical and experimental evidence has supported a benefit for the inclusion of fish oils (a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids) as a component of a normal healthy diet.

Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated to be of benefit in a number of inflammation-associated disease states, including atherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders, malignancy, and sepsis.

The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids are thought to occur through the postulated antiinflammatory actions of omega-3 fats; however, the specific mechanism(s) of action has not been completely defined.

In this review, we discuss the recent progress made in our laboratory on defining the mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids activity.