Investigation of the Distinct Mechanisms Involved in Inflammatory Resolution Between Healthy Men and Women

Important differences exist between sexes in incidence, disease patterns and outcomes in coronary artery disease that is not well understood. It is likely that key differences in the underlying biological mechanism, in particular in inflammatory responses, play a part in underpinning these differences. Previous evidence demonstrates that healthy females appear to be more adept at resolving inflammation compared to healthy males. Since inflammation is thought to be a key initiating phenomenon in coronary artery disease the investigators will examine the differences in inflammatory resolution between the sexes in healthy volunteers.

Inclusion Criteria:Healthy male and female volunteersAged 18-45Volunteers who are willing to sign the consent formExclusion Criteria:Healthy subjects unwilling to consentPregnant, or any possibility that a subject may be pregnant unless in the latter case a pregnancy test is performed with a negative resultCurrent breast feedingHistory of any serious illnesses, including recent infections or traumaSubjects taking systemic medication (other than the oral contraceptive pill)Subjects with recent (2 weeks) or current antibiotic useSubjects with any history of a blood-borne infectious disease such as Hepatitis B or C virus, or HIV