Import of samples from a long-term bed rest study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Import and analysis of blood, urine and adipose tissue samples collected as part of a long-term bed rest study
IRAS ID
225702
Contact name
Dylan Thompson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 28 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
This study involves the transport, analysis and storage of blood, urine and adipose tissue samples collected as part of a long-term bed rest study that has been conducted by the European Space Agency in France. In the UK, we will conduct analysis to determine changes in these tissues and how they have been affected by the long-term bed rest. One group have undertaken bed rest alone and the other group have undertaken the bed rest and received a nutritional 'countermeasure' designed the offset the changes induced by bed rest. Thus, based on our analysis, we will be able to determine the effect of bed rest on our outcomes and also determine the impact of the nutritional countermeasure.
Summary of Results
This work aimed to characterize the impact of chronic physical inactivity (bed rest) on adipose tissue in healthy, young males. The study was conducted in France in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA). Bed rest did not have much impact on adipose tissue in terms of the expression of genes in adipose tissue, or in terms of the cells that collectively make up adipose tissue. However, there was an increase in the concentration of several proteins released by adipose tissue in blood - and some of these changes were correlated with the change in insulin concentration. Thus, we proposed that adipose tissue function is affected by bed rest - but the change is probably secondary to other changes (such as insulin).
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0756
Date of REC Opinion
3 May 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion