Label-free Raman mapping of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid uptake, storage, and return toward baseline levels in macrophages

Analyst. 2021 Feb 21;146(4):1268-1280. doi: 10.1039/d0an02077j. Epub 2020 Dec 21.

Abstract

Macrophage uptake and metabolism of fatty acids is involved in a large number of important biological pathways including immune activation and regulation of macrophages, as well as pathological conditions including obesity, atherosclerosis, and others lifestyle diseases. There are few methods available to directly probe both the uptake and later redistribution/metabolism of fatty acids within living cells as well as the potential changes induced within the cells themselves. We use Raman imaging and analysis to evaluate the effects of different fatty acids following their uptake in macrophages. The label-free nature of the methods means that we can evaluate the fatty acid dynamics without modifying endogenous cellular behavior and metabolism.

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis*
  • Fatty Acids
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated*
  • Humans
  • Macrophages

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated