Novel treatment of air pollution responses in respiratory disease

Important results from the project

The aim with the project has been to investigate new options for treatment of adverse effects caused by exposure to air pollutants. In collaboration with University of California, Davis (UC-Davis), we have taken advantage of the anti-inflammatory effects from stabilizing fatty acid epoxides. This concept was then also used to treat lung injury. To gain an improved understanding of epoxides and related compounds derived through the fatty acid metabolism, we have developed sensitive methods to analyze them in complex biological sample types.

Expected long term effects

The studies have resulted in 8 papers published in scientific journals. Focus has been on detection of metabolite profiles, especially oxylipin profiles derived from fatty acids. For instance, we have published results from a study of oxylipin profiles in mice exposed to tobacco smoke and the effect after treatment with TUPS, a substance that inhibits the enzyme responsible for degradation of anti-inflammatory epoxides to diols. We detected signs of reduced inflammation after treatment with TUPS, and that the oxylipin profile reveals target engagement of the inhibitor.

Approach and implementation

The research has been carried out in close collaboration with UC-Davis, facilitated by the mobility grant provided by Vinnova. My stays at UC-Davis have been necessary to conduct the experiments and to make the knowledge exchange between the partners possible. This has in turn promoted new projects through an even stronger collaborative effort between scientist at Umeå University and UC-Davis.