PUFA biosynthesis in chronic inflammation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of chronic inflammation on genes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) biosynthesis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
IRAS ID
265924
Contact name
CJ Edwards
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
RA is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in joints. White blood cells are key part of the way the immune system damages the joints of RA patients.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are fat molecules that may control how white blood cells cause inflammation in RA. This project will test the idea that the manufacture of PUFAs in white blood cells may be abnormal in patients with RA.
We are not aware of any studies that have looked at changes in the biosynthesis of PUFAs in patients with RA. We believe that by looking at this area, we can identify a new mechanism in the pathway that leads to disease. This would help us to make new treatments to treat this condition. The study will be a collaboration between the School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton and NIHR Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. All patients with RA scheduled to attend a rheumatology out-patient appointment at University Hospital Southampton will be eligible for invitation to participate in this study. Participation in the study will involve a 40 minute appointment with a rheumatology specialist nurse or doctor. During the appointment data will be collected on age, height, weight, medication history and a blood sample taken for research purposes, in particular testing of genes involved in the manufacture of PUFAs.REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0346
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion