Can omega‑3 fish oil protect the lungs from silica‑triggered lupus?
Role of alveolar macrophage in omega-3 fatty acid amelioration of silica-triggered autoimmunity.
Looks at whether omega‑3 fish oil (DHA) can stop silica in the lungs from triggering lupus‑like autoimmune disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11224066 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are using a lupus‑prone mouse model to see how inhaled crystalline silica can start autoimmunity and whether adding the omega‑3 DHA to the diet prevents that. They focus on lung immune cells called alveolar macrophages and use lab (in vitro), tissue/cell (ex vivo), and whole‑animal (in vivo) experiments to measure inflammation, cell death, and release of self‑antigens. The team will track autoimmune antibodies and kidney damage in mice to link lung events to systemic lupus outcomes. The aim is to reveal mechanisms so dietary lipid changes might someday guide prevention strategies for people at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with lupus or those with significant occupational or environmental silica exposure (for example miners or construction workers) who are interested in dietary prevention strategies would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People whose autoimmune disease is not related to silica exposure or who cannot take omega‑3 supplements may not benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to dietary omega‑3 approaches to reduce the risk of silica‑triggered lupus flares and organ damage.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies, including the investigators' own work in this lupus‑prone mouse model, showed DHA can block silica‑triggered autoimmunity, while direct evidence in humans remains limited.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olive, Andrew — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Olive, Andrew
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.