| dc.description.abstract | Obesity and the metabolic diseases associated with it, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are areas of major concern in the USA. Obesity is associated with low grade inflammation in adipose tissue; therefore, studying inflammation and better understanding the underlying mechanisms may be useful for developing effective methods to methodically control obesity. This work focuses on investigating the interaction between macrophages and adipocytes within adipose tissue. We shall focus on obtaining the activation profile of key transcription factors found to be associated with adipogenesis upon exposure to xenobiotics such as BPA and TBT. This information will provide us insight onto the metabolic map that occurs in adipocytes that can predispose individuals to obesity. Moreover, we shall observe the expression NF-κB, a key protein involved in immune responses to infection and inflammation. Macrophages are instrumental in the onset, maintenance, and resolution of inflammation. They regulate the immune response through the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory compounds. Bacteria have been shown to influence the development of the immune system, so we would like to assess the inflammatory properties of bacterial metabolites. However, in order to assess these properties, a reporter cell line that allows for measurement of NF-κB must be developed since NF-κB production cannot be measured directly. The anti-inflammatory capabilities of these metabolites could lead to novel ways of combating obesity and enhance our understanding of how the human microbiota influences immune response. | en |
