Dr T Sathyapalan
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
To celebrate the University's research successes, the University of Hull is offering this project supported by a full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship or International Fees Bursary. It is one of a cluster of projects available as part of a significant investment into clinical research in cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic medicine at Hull York Medical School's Hull campus.
Closing date: - 29th February 2016.
Studentships will start on 26th September 2016
Supervisor: Dr T Sathyapalan (contact [Email Address Removed]) with Dr David Hepburn and Professor Sean Carroll
Hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia are well-recognised risk for atherosclerosis. Although fasting samples are commonly used for the assessment of lipid and glucose status, people spend most of their time in the postprandial state. There are fluctuations in glucose and lipid levels between pre and post-meal periods. Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycaemia seem to be associated with cardiovascular risk. It is uncertain whether this was simply due to high average levels or due to fluctuations of lipids or glucose between pre and postprandial states. Our recent work showed that acute hyperlipidaemia either in patients with insulin resistance or in healthy subjects caused insulin resistance and increased platelet hyperactivity, a marker of atherosclerotic risk.
This study aims to examine whether fluctuant hyperlipidaemia has a greater effect than constant hyperlipidaemia on endothelial and inflammatory markers, and their relationship to novel miRNA expression that may identify new biomarkers.
The effect of fluctuation of lipid levels will be compared to constant hyperlipidaemia during a constant hyperglycaemic state employing a hyperglycemic insulin clamp technique in patients with type 2 diabetes. In accord with the ectopic fat hypothesis of insulin resistance, these studies will be repeated following 3 months of supervised exercise to determine changes in the metabolic parameters and markers. Lipid infusions will be used instead of a lipid rich meal to avoid variability in gut absorption and to exclude the possible response of intestinal derived incretin hormones and their effect on insulin secretion.
This project will involve cross-faculty collaboration beteen Hull York Medical School and Sports, Health and Exercise Sciences. This studentship would be suitable from applicants with a background in dietetics, sports science or clinical medicine. The student will be trained in clinical trials methodology, insulin clamp techniques, indirect calorimetry (to assess metabolic flexibility), Endopat for measuring endothelial function, measurement of oxidative stress and endothelial markers and measurement of microRNA.
To apply for this post please click on the Apply button below.
In order to qualify for this scholarship you will require an undergraduate degree with at least a 2.1, or equivalent in a relevant subject.
Full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarships will include fees at the ‘home/EU' student rate and maintenance (£14,057 in 2015/16) for three years, dependent on satisfactory progress.
Full-time International PhD Fee Bursaries will include full fees at the International student rate for three years, dependent on satisfactory progress.
PhD students at Hull York Medical School follow modules for research and transferable skills development and gain a Masters level Certificate, or Diploma, in Research Training, in addition to their research degree.
Successful applicants will be informed of the award as soon as possible and by 30th April 2016 at the latest.