Project 467066

Inflammation is the immune systems response to foreign bodies, where if dysregulated can lead to chronic inflammation playing a major role in numerous diseases including cancer, metabolic syndromes, and cardiovascular disorders. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, are often used as a first line treatment by targeting inflammatory mediators during the onset of inflammation. However, prolonged use of these drugs is associated with unwanted side-effects calling for new treatment strategies. Recently, attention has shifted towards the active resolution of inflammation, performed by a unique family of lipid mediators called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). SPMs are normally produced in the body and act as key players working against inflammation. This led to the development of SPM supplements, aiming to aid in the reduction of inflammation. However, a growing market of these SPM supplements has raised several questions including whether SPMs are in fact absorbed after oral consumption. The intestinal lining serves as a selective filter, facilitating uptake of nutrients and fluids from the diet, while preventing the absorption of unwanted substances. To date there is no literature supporting the absorption of SPMs from the supplements into the circulation where they are effective. Therefore, my research will test if SPMs are absorbed, accumulated, and distributed to tissues upon oral administration in a rat model. Moreover, my future work will investigate the ability of dietary supplemented SPM to reach a site of active inflammation and induce resolution. This project will largely contribute to the growing research on new strategies to tackle inflammatory diseases and the use of SPMs as home remedies and clinical complementary therapies.