What is it about?
Our bodies contain many types of lipids, and some of these lipids can become damaged when there is too much stress or inflammation. When a common dietary lipid called linoleic acid is damaged, it forms special molecules known as EKODEs. These EKODEs can attach to proteins in unique ways, acting like markers or “fingerprints” of ongoing and past inflammation. In this study, we discovered how EKODEs react with certain parts of proteins and used that knowledge to create a tool, a custom antibody, that detects these EKODE “fingerprints” in living tissues. This gives us a clearer window into when and where inflammation occurs in the body.
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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Inflammation is a key factor in many diseases, from heart and liver problems to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. However, detecting and measuring inflammation inside the body in real time can be difficult. Our work shows that EKODE molecules, because of their unique chemical behavior, can act as reliable signposts of inflammation. By using our newly developed antibody, doctors and researchers may one day track inflammation more precisely, helping them diagnose conditions earlier and improve treatments.
Perspectives
Identifying EKODE-protein adducts in blood or tissues might become a routine test to monitor the progression of various inflammatory disorders. In the future, this knowledge could lead to the development of targeted therapies that block these damaging reactions or help remove toxic products before they cause harm. Ultimately, understanding and detecting EKODE-driven changes could not only transform how we diagnose and treat inflammatory diseases but also provide new strategies for healthy aging and prevention of chronic conditions.
Gregory Tochtrop
Case Western Reserve University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The unique reactivity of EKODE lipid peroxidation products allows in vivo detection of inflammation, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, February 2025, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2415039122.
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