A precision medicine approach to harness the therapeutic potential of lipoxins to reduce inflammation and obesity-related cardiometabolic disease

Purpose & goalsThis study investigates if the pro-resolving “lipoxin” lipids can be used as a therapeutic to reduce obesity-related inflammation and cardiometabolic disease. Lipoxins reduce inflammation in adipose tissues of obese patients, with some patients responding particularly well.

We will test molecular differences between lipoxin responders and non-responders, and develop a responder prediction model. Our long-term goal is to establish a precision medicine-based lipoxin treatment regime.

Project organization, timetable, scientific methodsThis 5-year pre-clinical proposal will be hosted at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

Tissues from obese gastric-bypass patients will establish a clinical profile identifying responding patients, while adipocyte spheroids will provide mechanistic insights.

Our state-of-the-art methodology includes snRNAseq, biomarker multiplex and FACS-based immunophenotyping to ensure a translational approach that generates molecular insights.

ImpactObesity ranks among the main causes for premature death, increasing the risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. In Sweden alone, 52% of adults are overweight or obese, costing the society an estimated SEK70 billion/year.

A therapeutic strategy that tackles the inflammation driving obesity-related disease would have a significant clinical and socioeconomic impact. Outcomes may have therapeutic potential for a broad range of immunological diseases (e.g. atherosclerosis).