Robert Zurier, M.D.

Academic Role: Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Medicine
   Rheumatology

Other Affiliation(s):
   Cell Biology
   Pathology

Fatty Acids, Inflammation, Immune Responses and Rheumatoid Arthritis

This research program investigates biochemical and molecular mechanisms through which individual fatty acids influence signal transduction, cellular activation, and participate in immune and inflammatory responses. Particular fatty acids, such as gammalinolenic acid (GLA) and dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA) may be effective anti-inflammatory/ immunomodulating agents. Mechanisms of action include alteration of eicosanoid production, direct effects on T lymphocyte activation, and suppression of synovial cell proliferation. GLA administration also suppresses acute and chronic inflammation, including arthritis, in several animal models. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled therapeutic trials of GLA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis indicate that GLA suppresses joint pain and swelling in patients with active synovitis.

Figure

Metabolic pathway of omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids.

Recent Publications

Santoli, D., Phillips, P.D., Colt, T.L., Zurier, R.B. (1991) Suppression of interleukin-2 dependent human T cell growth in vitro by prostaglandin E and their precursor fatty acids. J. Clin. Invest., 85:424-32.

Callegari, P., Zurier, R.B. (1991) Botanical lipids: Potential role in modulation of immunologic responses and inflammatory reactions. Rheumatic Dis. Cl. N.A., 17:415-25.

Leventhal, L.J., Boyce, E.G., Zurier, R.B. (1993) Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gammalinolenic acid. Ann. Int. Med., 119:867-73.

DeMarco, D., Santoli, D., Zurier, R.B. (1994) Effects of fatty acids on proliferation and activation of human synovial compartment lymphocytes. J. Leuk. Biol., 56:612-15.

Potential Rotation Projects

Project #1: Effects of Unsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Leucocyte Activation
Interest in the role of fatty acids in cell function is increasing, but knowledge of mechanisms of action of fatty acids is scant. We have shown that 2 fatty acids in particular - gammalinolenic acid (GLA), and dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA, the precursor of the antiinflammatory eicosanoid prostaglandin E1) suppress IL-1ß and IL-2 gene expression and production, and IL-2 driven T cell proliferation. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms whereby GLA and DGLA influence monocyte and lymphocyte activation are being investigated.

Project #2: Influence of Cannabinoid Acids on Human T Cell and Monocyte Activation
We are also exploring the mechanisms whereby non-psychoactive cannabinoid acids induce apoptosis of T cells, and reduce monocyte activation.

Academic Background

M.D., 1962, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

Office: LRB 240
Phone: 508-856-6246
E-mail: Robert.Zurier@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Autoimmunity, Clinical Research, Animal Models of Disease, Gene Expression, Inflammation/Inflammatory Diseases

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