Fatty attraction and metabolic syndrome

How bioactive lipid mediators control T cell migration: Basic mechanisms and therapeutic potential for cardiovascular metabolic disorders

Dr Claudio Mauro and his colleagues at Queen Mary, University of London, are studying how metabolic syndrome affects the immune system, where high blood sugars, high cholesterol and insulin resistance can result in inflammation and increased heart and circulatory disease risk. People with metabolic syndromes have a greater risk of heart and circulatory disease, suggesting similar processes underpin these conditions. For example, obese people with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are more likely to develop atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Immune cells called T lymphocytes or T cells accumulate in inflamed tissues, and are found in atherosclerotic plaques, fat tissue and the pancreas of obese people with high blood pressure. Dr Mauro believes high saturated fat levels in metabolic syndrome change the composition of cell membranes and generate fats that direct T cells to tissues. He believes fat imbalance disrupts the immune response and causes chronic inflammation, and that anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, can correct this. In this project, Dr Mauro will explore the mechanisms that alter the fat composition of T cell membranes and that directs them to move and create chronic inflammation in mice. He will examine if omega-3 fatty acids can counteract this. This research could reveal new fatty ‘biomarkers’ that detect disease, as well as new ways to improve chronic inflammation in heart and circulatory diseases.