Investigating the Role of Neutrophil Glucose Metabolism in Inflammation and Diabetes-Associated Myelopoiesis and Atherosclerosis

Neutrophils contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory diseases, often linked to either global metabolic disturbances and/or changes to immune cell metabolism. Herein, we explored the role of neutrophil glucose metabolism in promoting inflammation in diabetes. We modelled this in the context transient and intermittent hyperglycaemia prevalent in patients with seemingly well controlled glucose levels, to explore the contribution to atherosclerosis. We also reveal novel functions for potential regulators of neutrophil glucose metabolism: GLUT-6 (uptake) and hexokinase-3 (1-step metabolism) in mediating diabetes and inflammation associated neutrophil production and function.