University of Ottawa

Purpose

There is an urgent need for research focused on slowing and stopping the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in vulnerable populations. Canada’s elderly are particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and in particular appear to be more susceptible to pulmonary and systemic hyper-inflammation, causing multiorgan failure following infection. Researchers hypothesize that lipids and metabolites act as major regulators of cytokines and inflammation response and thus provide an avenue for response-informed diagnostics and theragnostics. The research outlined in this Project will seek to understand how lipids and metabolites act as major regulators of cytokines and related inflammation response. Researchers aim to establish lipidomic and metabolomics indices of risk that may be used to identify, intervene, and mitigate the lasting negative effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the quality of life of survivors. This work aims to contribute to the overarching objectives of enhancing local, national, and international efforts to mitigate the related negative consequences of COVID-19.