Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators in Aging
As we age, our ability to recover from injury or illness diminishes, and makes us more susceptible to diseases like arthritis, macular degeneration and atherosclerosis, to name a few. A persistent low-grade inflammation associated with aging (inflammaging) may be the underlying cause. Previously it was thought that inflammation ceased due to passive means. It is now widely appreciated that the resolution of inflammation is a highly active process that is largely controlled by specialized pro-resolving mediators. Dr. Fredman and her group seek to understand the mechanisms of impaired resolution (i.e. the inability to end) of inflammation in aging and to use signaling pathways to create new therapies to suppress inflammation.