Immune Booster #8: Immunology, metabolism, and exercise physiology with Heather Caslin
Sep 3, 2024
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Heather Caslin, an Immunologist at the University of Houston, takes listeners through her inspiring journey from sports to science. She shares fascinating insights into how diet and exercise influence innate immune cells, the complex relationship between exercise physiology and stress, and the challenges of launching a new research lab. Highlighting the significance of science communication, she emphasizes the need for engaging education in immunology while also discussing potential future applications of her groundbreaking research.
The podcast highlights how Heather Caslin's research connects metabolic responses and stressors to the modulation of immune functions, especially mast cell activity.
It emphasizes the significant negative impacts of weight cycling on immune response and metabolic health, potentially increasing the risk for diseases like diabetes.
Deep dives
Journey into Science and Research
The guest explores her initial journey into science, which began with her passion for physical therapy influenced by a sports injury. While initially pursuing a degree in exercise science, her interest shifted towards research after attending a research conference that opened her eyes to the possibilities of scientific inquiry. This pivot led her to undertake a master’s degree focused on investigating the effects of various types of stress on immunological markers in the blood. Her work involved assessing how factors like exercise and psychological stress impacted levels of hormones such as cortisol, alongside key immunological markers, ultimately fueling her pursuit of a PhD in the field.
Mast Cells and Metabolism
The podcast dives into the significance of mast cells, highlighting their role in immunity and how various environmental factors impact their function. The guest's PhD research examined how metabolic responses influenced mast cell activity, particularly focusing on how lactate can exhibit anti-inflammatory effects during instances like sepsis and allergic reactions. This line of inquiry unveiled how different types of stressors could modulate immune responses, thus establishing a vital link between metabolism and immune function. The integration of such knowledge holds promise for developing therapeutic strategies targeting mast cell functions to better address conditions like allergies or asthma.
Innovative Approaches to Weight Cycling Research
The discussion transitions to the emerging field of weight cycling, where the guest highlights how fluctuations in body weight can adversely affect immune response and overall metabolic health. Research suggests that cycles of weight gain and loss can lead to persistent inflammation among adipose immune cells, posing risks for diseases like diabetes and hypertension. This underscores the importance of understanding how weight cycling alters the immune system compared to static weight gain over time, revealing potential treatment targets for obesity-related complications. Collaborations with various medical centers are anticipated to extend this research into human studies, promising to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and real-world applications.
From the American Association of Immunologists 2024 conference in Chicago, Cindy and Brianne meet up with Heather Caslin to talk about her training and the research of her laboratory on how diet and exercise affect innate immune cells in health and disease.