Finding out how a new group of lipids is important in heart disease

Characterisation of novel endogenous lipid mediators of cardiovascular function and disease.

Professor Valerie O’Donnell from Cardiff University has recently worked out the structure of several new families of fats (lipids) called ‘esterified eicosanoids’ that are made by immune cells in our bloodstream and may have a role in heart disease. The BHF has now awarded a grant to Professor O’Donnell to find out exactly what these fats do, including how they control blood clotting and fat accumulation in cells. In mice, they will measure when and how immune cells make these fats during atherosclerosis development, where a gradual build-up of fat and immune cells within the artery wall causes coronary heart disease. They will find out if these lipids influence atherosclerosis development when they are given to mice and will also use state-of-the-art biophysical methods to determine the structure of additional new lipids that have been discovered in human platelets. This research may reveal new ‘biomarkers’ which could help doctors monitor the progression of atherosclerosis. It may reveal new ways to treat atherosclerosis and control abnormal blood clotting, and ultimately heart disease, using drugs.