Both a sedentary lifestyle and obesity have been demonstrated to contribute to a state of chronic, low level inflammation. Such inflammation has been implicated in the development of insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and type II Diabetes Mellitus, providing a link between these diseases and excess adiposity and/or physical inactivity. Thus, an increase in chronic inflammation may represent a """"""""gateway"""""""" to the development of other inflammatory diseases. While the role of chronic inflammation in diseases of inactivity and obesity has been described, the mechanism by which pathological conditions cause an increased accumulation of chronic inflammation is not known. Based on preliminary data from our lab and others, we have speculated that the TLR4 pathway may be involved in the accumulation of chronic inflammation. Our long-term objective is to use a mechanistic approach to identify inflammatory pathways related to adiposity and inactivity. We have proposed that TLR4 signaling may be involved with the accumulation of chronic inflammation, and have previously demonstrated this by comparing active (low inflammation) to sedentary individuals (high inflammation). Blood monocytes are typically assessed as an indicator of adipose tissue macrophage activity; however, it is not known if TLR4 signaling is similar between these two cells. Also, it is not known if obesity alters monocytes and macrophages in the same manner. Other molecules (i.e. hsCRP, leptin, ghrelin, etc.) are known to be altered in the blood of obese individuals; however, it is not known if they effect TLR4 signaling. We anticipate that this study will generate a number of new and novel findings with respect to the possible relationship between TLR4 signaling, obesity, and chronic inflammation. The primary purpose of this investigation is to determine if obesity status alters TLR4 signaling and/or inflammatory cytokine production in blood monocyte and adipose tissue macrophage. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
5R03AG028110-02
Application #
7460694
Study Section
Clinical and Integrative Cardiovascular Sciences Study Section (CICS)
Program Officer
Nayfield, Susan G
Project Start
2007-07-15
Project End
2010-03-31
Budget Start
2008-04-01
Budget End
2010-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$59,868
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Houston
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Education
DUNS #
036837920
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77204
McFarlin, Brian K; Weintraub, Randi J; Breslin, Whitney et al. (2011) Designing Online Learning Modules in Kinesiology. J Educ Techno Soc 14:278-284
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Strohacker, Kelley; Carpenter, Katie C; McFarlin, Brian K (2009) Consequences of Weight Cycling: An Increase in Disease Risk? Int J Exerc Sci 2:191-201