Molecular characterization of the pre-autoimmune effects of Western diet in healthy mice

The objective of the research project is to comprehend the intricate connection between nutrition and autoimmune diseases. Considering the global increase in autoimmune diseases, it is crucial to investigate the role of nutrition in this context. Approximately 5% of the world's population suffers from autoimmune diseases, which are difficult to treat and cause a significant burden on both patients and the economy. This project focuses on the comparison between Western diet, which is characterised by high levels of processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats, with normal chow diet, calorie-reduced chow diet and calorie-reduced Western diet. My project will examine the effects of these diets at both the cellular and molecular levels in different target organs. For this purpose, serum, adipose tissue, and liver samples from mice exposed to different diets are intensively investigated. To detect minor changes in the inflammatory milieu, precise analyses of inflammatory markers such as CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 are conducted in the serum. In tissue samples, the focus is on the detailed characterization of immune cell populations. In the liver, we additionally plan a comprehensive histological analysis, especially with a focus on steatosis, ballooning, and inflammatory processes. The main objective of my research project is to identify and characterize biomolecular markers that are associated with very early changes in autoimmune diseases. This could lead to a breakthrough, which will allow for not only subtle early detection, but also targeted prevention strategies for individual patients. Additionally, this study provides fundamental insights into the complex interactions between the different diets and the immune system, which could ultimately have significant implications for public health.