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Content archived on 2024-05-27

Short chain fatty acids and GPR43 in human health and disease

Objective

These studies will determine the physiological impact of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) which activate the G-coupled protein receptor 43 (GPR43) as dietary supplementation in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. Non-digestible carbohydrates (NDC) are carbohydrates which are indigestible in the small intestine, but are broken down in the colon by the fermentation process of bacteria. SCFA are the major products of carbohydrate fermentation and bind to a receptor called GPR43 which is expressed on adipocytes, immune cells, pancreatic beta-cells and enteroendocrine cells that release appetite-suppressing hormones glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). Therefore, it is suggestive that this receptor provides a cross-talk between different organs and tissues, linking metabolism with the innate immune system. These studies aim to test the hypothesis that administration of the SCFA propionate reduces appetite by inducing anorectic gut hormone release, improves glucose stimulated insulin secretion, reduces body weight, induces adipocyte proliferation and differentiation, and regulates activation of the immune system and systemic inflammation. Should these studies prove positive then this work will propose a novel treatment option for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Topic(s)

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG)

Coordinator

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE
EU contribution
€ 75 000,00
Address
SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
Region
London Inner London — West Westminster
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data