Medium and long chain free fatty acid receptors in the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases

Chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are a global problem of our time due to the widespread prevalence and difficulty of controlling the course. The mechanism of chronic inflammation in the bronchopulmonary system is closely related to metabolic disorders of lipids and their derivatives. Lipids and their mediators play both a pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory role in chronic inflammatory bronchopulmonary pathology. In particular, free fatty acids (FFAs) perform important signaling and regu latory functions in the body, coordinating metabolic and immune relationships. The mechanism that potentially binds FFAs and inflammatory reactions involves the activation of their receptors (FFAR – free fatty acid receptor), which are expressed on the cells of the respiratory tract, as well as on nerve and immune cells. Currently, FFARs are considered attractive targets in the treatment of chronic bronchopulmonary pathology, since modulation of their activity through the use of alimentary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can affect the activity and resolution of neuroimmune inflammation in the bronchopulmonary system. However, controversial issues regarding their effectiveness and dose standardization of PUFA continue to limit their widespread use. This review summarizes the literature data on the role of medium- and longchain FFAs in the body’s immunoregulation in normal conditions and in chronic bronchopulmonary pathology. Data on medium and long chain FFA receptors – FFAR1 and FFAR4, FFAR-mediated signaling pathways in the regulation of metabolism and immune responses are systematized. The perspective and complex issues of the use of fatty acids in the treatment of chronic bronchopulmonary pathology are discussed. 

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