Appointment of Joan Clària, Group leader (R4)
An excessive inflammatory response plays a key role in the development of liver complications. Our laboratory investigates how to fight this inflammation from the body

Current research

Problem

Chronic liver disease is, among all non-transmissible diseases, the most prevalent in our environment. This is becoming increasingly evident with the growing prevalence of chronic liver disease, associated with the global obesity pandemic. Within this context, inflammation plays a key role, both in the early stages of the disease and in its most advanced phases, which are associated with a high mortality rate.

Approach

The group is interested in the study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the inflammatory response in liver diseases, especially in the study of lipid-mediated inflammatory mediators, so-called lipid mediators. Within these, it is a leader in the study of pro-resolving lipid mediators, components produced by the body and capable of inhibiting natural inflammation.

Impact

The group has identified new lipid-mediated derivatives of polyunsaturated fatty acids that slow the activation of the innate immune system and promote the resolution of inflammation. One of its great challenges is to transfer these results to the prevention and treatment of liver complications.