A family of bioactive compounds identified in self-resolving inflammatory exudates is disclosed. The compounds give UV chromophores characteristics of a conjugated triene double bond system coupled to an auxochrome allylic to the triene. Further elucidation of the compounds reveals that they have an oxylipin backbone conjugated to a peptide or amino acid moiety via an auxochrome. In some embodiments the auxochrome is sulfur. However, the auxochrome may be NH, CH2 or O. The compounds have potent bioactivity, in vitro, and, in vivo, including promoting resolution of infection, stimulating macrophage phagocytosis of bacteria protecting tissues from neutrophil mediated damage, promoting tissue repair and regeneration and preventing or limiting second organ reflow/reperfusion damage.
