Impact of (poly)phenols and their microbiota mediated metabolites on macro and microvascular circulation. (Thematic area - Healthy Communities)

Diet Nutrition

Diets rich in (poly)phenols are recognised as having beneficial roles in health and the prevention of a wide range of chronic diseases (CVD, AMD)¹ and systemic circulation impacts upon microvascular circulation.  Dietary (poly)phenols including flavonols, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins common to berries, tea, cocoa etc are known to cause acute vasodilation in microvasculature increasing blood flow via flow mediated dilation (FMD).

However, sustained effects on macro/microvascular blood flow are more likely to mediated by colonic gut metabolites e.g. Phenyl γ-valerolactones which reach higher concentrations and persist longer in blood plasma^2-4 Phenyl γvalerolactones also exhibit a stronger effect on vasodilation (due to their ACE inhibitory activity) than the parent compounds⁵. Consequently, phenyl γ-valerolactones⁶ are by far the most relevant ‘hit’ the human body receives after dietary intake of flavan-3-ols.

In collaboration, with the University of Parma (Prof D Del Rio), we will quantify phenyl- ᵧ -valerolactones (PVLs) and their related phenylvaleric acids (PVAs), using UHPLC-ESI-MSn⁷. Establishing if these compounds exert effects upon both the macro- (FMD) and micro-vasculature (ocular) in an at risk population.

For details and how to apply please see: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/794659

For further information please contact: Chris Gill: [Email Address Removed]

Interviews by Faculties: April 2021

Outcome letters sent to applicants: Late April/early May 2021

Scholarships commence: September 2021

Eligibility Criteria

·        Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. Applicants deemed by Senate to hold an equivalent qualification will also be considered.

·        Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing researchers, are NOT eligible for a scholarship.

·        All applicants should also hold a relevant English language qualification.  All applications for scholarships will be considered on a competitive basis and with regard to the applicant’s qualifications, skills, experience and interests.

·        Competition for funded entry is very high. It is important that all parts of the application process are completed in accordance with the instructions.  All applicants are advised to discuss their application with the staff noted within the project description prior to submission.

·        Applicants should note that disclosure of disability or personal circumstances should be made as part of the application process or as soon as possible thereafter in order to facilitate any necessary accommodation