Lipidomics update - July 2009

Lipid of the month

Prostaglandin E2
Injury, infection and autoimmune disease can produce red and painful swelling, mediated by bioactive eicosanoids including prostaglandin E2. PGE2 signaling is also implicated in maintenance of homeostasis, and in the diverse disease processes that arise when that maintenance slips.

Research highlights

• Fat finding in disease: Lipids coming 'ome

  New lipidomics techniques define specific lipid profiles produced during disease states or found on invading pathogens, opening new avenues for treatment.

• Low-fat marrow: Good for the blood

  Bone-marrow adipocytes reduce hematopoiesis and may represent a novel target for enhancing post-transplant recovery.

• Cancer and Prostaglandin E2: Don't make it, or break it?

  A lack of prostaglandin dehydrogenase prevents catabolism of prostaglandin E2, helping cancer cells both to evade the immune system and circumvent drug treatment.

• Reducing cardiovascular risk: Even less is more

  Lowering LDL cholesterol and blood pressure beyond current guidelines reduces atherosclerotic progression.

Events calendar

• 6th GERLI Lipidomics meeting, Bioactive Lipids, Nutrition and Health

  1 - 3 July 2009

• 8th Euro Fed Lipid Congress

  21 - 24 November, 2010

more events