Adipose tissue and Ghrelin Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ghrelin mediated lipid retention and insulin resistance in human visceral adipose tissue
IRAS ID
163151
Contact name
Sarah Prior
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NISCHR PhD Studentship, HS-14-40
Research summary
Abdominal fat is important in type 2 diabetes. Biologically, fat is “very active” and is able to make different chemicals and hormones that affect the way in which the body deals with glucose and insulin. When this becomes abnormal, type 2 diabetes may develop. The aim of this studentship is to look at the role that a gut hormone called ghrelin has in influencing fat behaviour and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Our previous work within mice shows that ghrelin increases abdominal fat. We have also shown that this occurs due to the build-up of cholesterol within the fat cells and that this is encouraged by treatment with ghrelin. We will examine how ghrelin influences the behaviour, chemistry and genetic function of fat cells obtained from humans. The proposed work will therefore develop our previous research performed in mice. We will use fat samples obtained at the time of operations from lean, obese and obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Scientific methods of analysis established in our laboratory will be used to examine protein and gene function within the samples. The studentship will enable us to:- a) Gain a better understanding of the cause of obesity and type 2 diabetes with particular focus on ghrelin. b) Develop studies to look at the role of ghrelin mediated cholesterol build-up in fat and how this is related to type 2 diabetes. Further work may lead to the identification of new molecules as potential treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Patients with diabetes have been involved the creating of this studentship application. The proposal also has the support of the Diabetes Research Network in Wales.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
14/ES/1073
Date of REC Opinion
22 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion