Matthew Nho
Research Mentor(s): Ahmed Abdel-latif
Mentor Department: Internal Medicine-Cardiology
Authors:
Session: Session 2 (10:00- 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Oral
Abstract
Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide due to the heart’s limited regenerative capacity following injury. This study examines the role of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) in cardiac repair by investigating its impact on macrophage polarization, a key factor in inflammation and tissue healing. Macrophages exist in either a pro-inflammatory (M1) or pro-reparative (M2) state, and the balance between these phenotypes is crucial for effective recovery. This research aims to determine whether 12-LOX promotes inflammation or supports healing by shifting macrophage polarization. Using ML351, a selective 12-LOX inhibitor, the study explores whether blocking 12-LOX can drive macrophages toward a reparative phenotype, thereby improving heart tissue recovery. Molecular biology techniques, including quantitative PCR (qPCR) and RNA sequencing, are employed to analyze gene expression changes associated with macrophage state transitions. The findings from this study could contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies targeting immune responses to enhance cardiac repair and mitigate heart disease progression.
