Research Interests

Obesity and atherosclerosis are both inflammatory diseases. Cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 is rapidly upregulated in response to inflammation and produces a host of prostanoids that play a role in the inflammatory response. Research in Dr. King’s laboratory focuses on the role microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1 derived prostaglandin(PG)E2 and prostacyclin (PGI2) in diet-induced obesity and atherosclerosis. When challenged mice that are deficient in mPGES-1 have reductions in PGE2 with a concomitant increase in PGI2. We have demonstrated that mice deficient in mPGES-1 have a marked reduction in body weight gain with a concomitant reduction in PGE2 and increase in PGI2 concentrations when challenged with a high fat diet. Moreover, the reduction in weight gain is associated with an increase in energy expenditure. Ongoing research focuses on the mechanisms underlying the reduction in weight gain and increase in energy expenditure. Given that obesity and atherosclerosis are both chronic inflammatory diseases ongoing research also focuses on understanding the role of COX-2 derived prostanoids in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and determining if similar mechanisms are involved in these 2 pathophysiologies. Results from these studies may identify selective therapeutic targets downstream of COX-2 for treatment of obesity and atherosclerosis.