Background and activities

Inflammation, the body’s natural process in early defense of foreign invaders or in endogenous processes as wound healing, is increasingly recognized as an essential player in disease. Behind an inflammatory process are cellular and protein players communicating in complex ways. Depending on the disturbance, different cellular or protein might be involved. To understand these systems could help us develop new treatment points and strategies in the fights against various diseases for improved health and wellbeing. 

One major focus of my research is to determine the inflammatory mechanisms of exogenous and endogenous materials. More explained, the exogenous materials are externally derived as transplantation devices, wound healing materials or nano- and microparticles. The endogenous materials are produced by the body itself and often involved in promoting disease. An example is cholesterol crystals formed in atherosclerotic plaques.  Recently we demonstrated that cholesterol crystals are promoting thromboinflammation, and thus are active players in thrombosis.  Despite different materials, they all impact the immune system through common and specific mechanistic pathways. By revealing the underlying mechanisms new treatment possibilities can be determined. The overall aim by this research is understanding the inflammatory/immune system at the intersection of materials exposure and use this knowledge for improving our health.

Inflammation is an underlying factor in obesity related disease, and the immune system and metabolic system are interrelated. Revealing connections between obesity and inflammation could open for new understanding in treatment. Connected to Centre for Obesity and Innovation (ObeCe) at St. Olav’s hospital, we explore how calorie restriction diet/weight reduction impact low-degree inflammation and thromboinflammation.

I am a part of the NTNU health team "Tailored biomaterials for reduced immune responses" that are currently developing/exploring new materials alongside mechanisms understanding.  I am also a part of a global network of researchers with the overall goal of developing long-term sustainable (fibrosis-free) biodevices in cell therapy for Type 1 diabetes.   

 

Scientific, academic and artistic work

Displaying a selection of activities. See all publications in the database

Journal publications