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NEXT LIPIDS ΩNLINE WEBINAR IS WEDNESDAY 21 APRIL @ 14:00 GMT REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE APRIL 21 WEBINAR CLICK HERE "Obesity drives a signature of SPM precursor deficiency: Implications for glucose homeostasis and infection" Raz Shaikh, Associate Professor (Link to Bio) Abstract: Obesity is associated with a wide range of complications including, but not limited to, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and increased susceptibility to infections. Therefore, there is a critical need to investigate how metabolic changes associated with obesity contribute toward differing complications. I will first cover evidence to show that obesity generally drives a deficiency in the concentration of metabolites of the specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM) family. Then, I will present examples of how administration of SPMs to obese mice can reverse these deficiencies and thereby improve glucose homeostasis and humoral immunity upon influenza infection. Finally, the talk will underscore how addressing key gaps in knowledge will allow us to effectively translate SPMs and their parent polyunsaturated fatty acids toward precision clinical trials. These include establishing sex-differences in SPM levels and potential genetic differences in SPM metabolism in the context of a heterogenous population with obesity. Overall, SPM deficiencies are a key hook between obesity and impaired metabolic and infectious outcomes. Did you miss the 17 March webinar? It will be posted below in the Archive for 30 days. Webinars are typically posted within 24 hours of completion. All webinars will be in the ISSFAL Members Only section permanently. LIPIDS ΩNLINE ARCHIVE "Updates to the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathway" Abstract: The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important for regulating brain, heart, and immune function, among others. While the general principles of the n-3 PUFA synthesis pathway (i.e, that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3) can be converted to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3)) are generally agreed upon, some controversy in the details remain. In this talk I will provide updates on the synthesis of DHA from precursors, including the Sprecher intermediate tetracosahexaenoic acid (THA; 24:6n-3), as well as the retroconversion of DHA to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3). While much of the work has been completed in preclinical models, recent translational studies will also be discussed. In conclusion, this talk hopes not only to address some controversies in n-3 PUFA synthesis but to also raise a few new ones for future research.
Bio: Dr. Bazinet received his BSc from the University of Western Ontario and completed his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Cunnane at the University of Toronto in 2003. Dr. Bazinet then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Dr. Stanley Rapoport’s Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section at the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bazinet joined the University of Toronto in 2006, where he is currently Professor and Canada Research Chair in Brain Lipid Metabolism. Dr. Bazinet is the recipient of several awards, including the Early Career Award from the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids; the JordiFolch-Pi Memorial Award from the American Society for Neurochemistry; the Future Leaders Award from the International Life Sciences Institute, the Young Scientist Award for the American Oil Chemists’ Society and the Early Researcher Award from the Canadian Society for Nutrition. Dr. Bazinet sits on several editorial boards and is currently Editor-in-Chief of Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. The overall goal of Dr. Bazinet’s research program is to identify the mechanisms that regulate brain lipid metabolism (signaling) and to identify the role of brain lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. His group largely uses kinetic approaches to study fatty acid metabolism. Dr. Bazinet has published over 170 papers and given over 100 invited lectures, largely in the field of brain fatty acid metabolism and is co-author of the joint WHO/FAO joint expert consultation on dietary fats and the central nervous system during aging and disease. Dr. Bazinet is currently the president of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL), and was selected to be the 2020 recipient of the American Oil Chemists’ Societies Ralph Holman Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Unraveling the Effects of Fatty Acids on Inflammation" Abstract: This seminar will describe inflammation, its role in immune defense and how it is linked to many different health conditions. Then the role of different fatty acids in creating an environment which favours or dampens inflammation will be described. Effects of saturated, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids will be discussed. The importance of resolution of inflammation and how fatty acids are involved will be covered. "MCT, Ketones and Brain Energy Rescue during Aging" Abstract: Acknowledgements: SCC thanks his research team, collaborators and study participants, and CIHR, FRQS, NSERC, MITACS, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Alzheimer Association USA, Nestlé Health Science, Bulletproof, Abitec for financial and in-kind support of his research program. |
