Exercise triggers a proportional inflammatory response that is crucial for muscle fiber repair and adaptation. However, excessive or chronic inflammation can delay recovery and increase injury risk. Biomarkers such as creatine kinase and interleukins are commonly used to assess muscle damage and inflammation, respectively, but they have limitations in specificity and sensitivity. However, lipid mediators that signal all inflammatory events with distinct roles in pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and pro-resolving phases could provide a more complete understanding of the inflammatory response to exercise. In this review, we discuss the limitations of current biomarkers and the potential of lipid mediators to theoretically offer more precise insights into the inflammatory processes following exercise. Further research is needed to establish standardized protocols for measuring lipid mediators and to understand their temporal dynamics in relation to inflammation and recovery. This knowledge could lead to improved strategies for monitoring and enhancing recovery in athletes. Key Points: Exercise induces a tightly regulated inflammatory response in skeletal muscle, with lipid mediators playing critical roles in both injury and recovery phases. Specialized pro-resolving mediators such as resolvins, protectins, maresins, and lipoxins actively contribute to inflammation resolution and tissue regeneration. Analyzing lipid mediators could offer a greater understanding of the inflammatory process following exercise.
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